Together for Colorado Toy Drive Brings Holiday Cheer Across Denver

As the season of giving rolls around, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver have kicked off their most cherished tradition: the annual Together for Colorado Toy Drive. Partnering with CBS Colorado, King Soopers and 97.3 KBCO, the organizations work together to ensure every child and teen has a present to open this holiday season.

“My wife and I and our company have been doing this for over a decade,” said James Hiromas, a community member donating toys on Dec. 11. “It’s honestly the best thing we do all year. We can make a difference by doing it, so why not?” 

Throughout the holiday season, bins filled with toys are placed outside participating King Soopers locations. Dec. 11 is the main collection day, where CBS broadcasts the event all day long to remind the community to show up and donate.

“We really liked their mission and what they do for the kids,” Hiromas said as he dropped off toys. “You don’t need to spend a lot of money on big expensive toys to do something good. The people on the receiving end tend to pay it forward.”

While the holiday season may appear jolly for many, it can also be a difficult time for families facing financial challenges. Families often struggle to afford gifts, leaving many kids without presents during the holiday season. Heather Burke, director of marketing and communications for the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver, says the toy drive helps bridge that gap to ensure no child at the Boys and Girls Club is left out.

“The toys go directly to our kids in the club,” she explained. “Every club will have a party, and every kid will get a toy from this toy drive. They also pick out toys for their families.”

For the Boys and Girls Clubs, the toy drive is much more than simply giving kids a present—it serves as a reminder of what the community can accomplish when it comes together.

“This means so much for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver,” Burke said. “The Together for Colorado Toy Drive is our favorite holiday tradition. It’s such an easy way to give.”

Keeping this deeply rooted tradition alive is vital for the Denver community. Burke says the partnership with CBS Colorado and King Soopers has been happening for nearly two decades. Every year, the same holiday magic shows up in a big way.

“It’s just so wonderful to see the community come out and show their support year after year for our club kids,” she said.

CBS Colorado anchor Michelle Griego, who has helped lead the drive for several years, echoed that sentiment. She noted that the need for donations continues to grow, and so does the generosity.

“You definitely see the difference in community impact, and you definitely see the difference in need,” Griego said. “Earlier today, we had the Denver Fire Department stop by with a bunch of toys. We have companies who collect toys all year and donate them on this day. And then we have individuals who make this their personal mission.”

With 25 club locations across metro Denver, Boys and Girls Club welcomes about 2,500 kids every day, and around 40,000 young people pass through their programs each year. Beyond toys, the organization provides mentorship, academic support, sport programs, and, most importantly, a safe environment.

“We just want to keep going with these types of initiatives and really be able to provide those comprehensive services for kids during that critical time when they’re not in school,” Burke said.

For community members who want to help, donating is simple. “If you can’t make it out today, no worries,”  Burke said. “The toy drive runs through Dec. 24. If you’re out shopping for a kid in your life and you grab a toy, grab two, and when you’re doing your grocery shopping, just drop off that toy at any participating King Soopers.”

New and unwrapped toys are recommended, with gifts appropriate for ages 5 to 18. The organizers ask that people “consider donating gifts that our teenage members will enjoy—like art supplies, sports equipment, gift cards or electronics.” Click here to see the Together for Colorado Toy Drive 2025 Holiday Wish List.

As the holiday season unfolds, the Boys and Girls Club calls for the Colorado community to spread kindness, generosity and cheer through toys for all kids. 

“It’s super easy and just that simple act brings so much joy to the kids,” Burke said. “So keeping this going just brings joys to our kids.”