HYPE's annual Tons of Toys is looking a lot different this year! Due to Covid, we are unable to host the fun festive cocktail party we usually do, but don’t worry, we found another great way to support our beneficiary, YMCA of Greater Hartford, with donations of toys for the holiday!

So how does this work?

Tons of Toys will be a donation only event, spanning four days this year, Tuesday, December 1st - Friday December 4th at 103 Pratt Street, Hartford right on the corner of Trumbull & Pratt. We ask that the toys are unwrapped and valued at or around $10.
Donation times are:

Tuesday, December 1st: 12:00-2:00pm

Wednesday, December 2nd: 3:00-6:00pm

Thursday, December 3rd: 3:00-6:00pm

Friday, December 4th: 12:00-2:00pm

Where do the toys go?

The toys are being donated to the YMCA of Greater Hartford, in support of their youth and family programs. The YMCA of Greater Hartford consists of 10 branches and two resident camps providing more than 100 programs and services in Hartford, Tolland, and Windham counties. We hope that our donation brightens the holiday season for some of the youth served, as well as supports the many programs of the YMCA.

Is there a certain toy I should bring?

We are grateful for every toy donated, but if you're looking for some suggestions, here is a list of the most-requested items:

•  Board games (Simon, Scrabble, Clue, Uno, Don’t Break The Ice, Connect Four Jenga)
•  LEGO
•  Playdough
•  Art supplies ( stamps, ink pads, water color paint, construction paper, crayons, markers, glue sticks, beads)
•  Math/Science toys
•  Dolls (Barbie’s, Barbie clothes)
•  Hot Wheels toys & tracks
•  Action Figures (Marvel, Star Wars, Ninjas)
•  Puzzles
•  Craft Kits
•  Dress Up Play
•  LOL Surprise Dolls
•  Sports Equipment (soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, volleyballs, wiffle balls & bats, baseballs, kickballs, jump ropes)

How do I donate toys?

It’s easy! Simply pull into one of the two loading zone spaces on Trumbull Street, right on the corner of Trumbull & Pratt (you’re welcome to park on the Street as well if you prefer). You can walk to the door of 103 Pratt and hand your donation to a volunteer. Not comfortable getting out of the car? Sit tight and a volunteer will come to you and retrieve the item/s from your car curbside!

I’m not comfortable donating in person, how else can I support Tons of Toys?

Can’t get to the store? Not comfortable donating in person? Our friends at Amato’s Toy & Hobby are here to help! Simply call the store at (860) 229-9069 and tell them you’d like to purchase a toy to be donated to HYPE’s Tons of Toys! They will ask you the value of the toy/s you’d like to purchase with a value starting at $10, take payment over the phone, and set aside a toy of that value for donation! HYPE staff will pick up all donations the evening of Thursday, December 3rd, so all call in donations must be made before 6PM on the 3rd.

What should I wear?

Mask are mandatory, so please be sure to wear a mask when donating!

What safety measures are being taken?

All safety protocols will be in place to ensure a safe experience for staff, volunteers, and those making generous donations. All volunteers will be required to wear mask and gloves during their shift, and will be temperature checked at the door. Hand sanitizer will also be provided. We ask that all who are donating in person, both curbside and at the door, be wearing masks at all times.

Is there an after party?

We can’t have our usual after party this year, but we encourage everyone who donates in person to stay in downtown Hartford for a little while! There are so many great places to safely shop for holiday gifts or grab a bite to eat. We love to support our local businesses, so feel free to ask a volunteer for recommendations or check out the Hartford Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for some suggestions!

Who sponsors the event?

We're so glad you asked! This event would not be as successful without the generous support of our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor

Sugar Plum Sponsor
Vernon D. and Florence E. Roosa Family Foundation Memorial Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

Mistletoe Sponsor
Webster Bank

Candy Cane Sponsor
BL Companies