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The Batavia Access Toy Drive left its longtime Webster Street space this fall when the building was demolished. Now the cherished holiday tradition is hoping Batavia residents, businesses, and property owners can help it find a new permanent home.
According to the City of Batavia, the all-volunteer program doesn’t have the resources to pay rent or find a new space on its own.
Here’s what to know:
Covered for 2026: Gem Lighting is lending space for this season’s donation collection and early-December distribution, but it’s only a temporary solution. The program needs a permanent location starting in January 2027.
What they’re looking for: A safe, free space of about 7,000 square feet that can handle year-round donation storage and the annual December giveaway.
From 1948 to today: The drive started when Batavia’s volunteer firefighters began fixing up donated toys for local kids in need. Today it helps more than 100 families each year with toys, books, games, puzzles, and winter gear like hats, scarves, and mittens.
A local support system: City officials encourage families in need of holiday season help or year-round support to take advantage not only of the toy drive, but also the Batavia United Way’s Adopt-a-Family program and the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet.
“My grandmother, Mildred Bailey started helping with this drive when it was still firefighters fixing up old toys, and my family has been part of it ever since,” said Brittany Bailey-Cole, a fourth-generation volunteer with the Toy Drive. “We don’t want to see it end on our watch, but we can’t do it without a place to call home.”
Businesses, congregations, or residents with space to offer (or ideas for keeping the program going independently) can call the City of Batavia at 630-454-2000.
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