The Germantown Athletic Club's toy drive runs Nov. 21 to Dec. 21, with a goal of 400 new, unwrapped toys. Its October coat drive collected 176 coats, beating a goal of 150.

The Germantown Athletic Club starts its fifth annual toy drive on Saturday, Nov. 21. The goal is 400 new, unwrapped toys for children by Dec. 21.

Residents can drop off a toy at the club’s customer service desk, 1801 Exeter Road. The toys go to children at Vance Avenue Youth Development Center and Libertas Charter School.

The city announced the drive in a news release on the club’s season of giving.

Overview

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 21, to Monday, Dec. 21
  • Where: the customer service desk at the Germantown Athletic Club, 1801 Exeter Road
  • What: new, unwrapped toys; the goal is 400
  • Who it helps: children at Vance Avenue Youth Development Center and Libertas Charter School

The coat drive beat its goal

The club ran a coat drive for the same two groups in October. Staff set a goal of 150 new coats, in sizes from 6 weeks to adult 3XL.

Donors gave 176. “We are so excited about our coat drive turnout this year,” Club Assistant Director Leala McLaughlin said in the city’s release.

What is on the wish list

The club said all new toys are welcome. Its wish list includes:

  • board games
  • inclusive dolls and Barbies
  • bed comforter sets
  • LEGO sets and other building bricks
  • superhero and Jurassic Park toys
  • sports equipment
  • art supplies
  • gift cards

The drive has been a club tradition since 2019.

When you can drop off

Donations are taken during the club’s regular hours. Its website lists them as:

Day Hours
Monday to Thursday 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thanksgiving week is different. The club closes early, at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and is closed Thursday, Nov. 26, the city said.

A dance party for members

The club will open the drive with a Holiday Hustle Dance Party for members. It runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. Members are asked to dress in holiday clothes and bring a new, unwrapped toy or a $25 Walmart gift card.

What it means for you

  • The city’s release invites residents to give, not only members. Take a toy to the customer service desk any time the club is open between Nov. 21 and Dec. 21.
  • Toys must be new and unwrapped.
  • Questions go to the club at (901) 757-7370 or info@GACFitness.org.