News10NBC’s annual Toys for Tots drive begins this weekend

News10NBC’s annual Toys for Tots drive begins this weekend By News10NBC ROCHESTER, N.Y. — It’s almost time for News10NBC’s annual Toys for Tots holiday drive. RELATED: Toys for Tots drive is underway, aiming for another record-breaking year (Nov. 17, 2025) Starting Sunday, Nov. 15, donations can be dropped off at local Bill Gray’s restaurants. We are asking for new, unwrapped toys for newborns all the way up to age 16. You can find the full list of drop-off locations here. Toys for Tots began in 1947, when Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks and the Marines in his unit collected and distributed 5,000 toys. It then became a national community action program in 1948. Toys for Tots said the goal of the program is to bring joy to children during the holidays. Toys will be accepted until Sunday, Dec. 13. You can also make a donation online here. During the 2025 campaign, over 69,000 toys were donated in the Rochester area.