A toy drive at Bakersfield Park on Saturday, Nov. 7, will collect Christmas gifts for 1,500 local children whose families face financial hardship, according to the Cross Timbers Gazette.

Christian Community Action (CCA) is accepting new, unwrapped toys from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the park, 1201 Duncan Lane. Anyone can drop off a donation, whether or not they are running or playing ball that day.

Three groups are partnering with CCA on the collection: Dorothy's Dash, the Flower Mound Youth Sports Association (FMYSA) and Perfect Game's Keep Calm and Baseball On Tournament. Runners are encouraged to bring a toy in the morning. The baseball tournament begins at noon, and players and families are also encouraged to contribute.

The toys go to CCA's Christmas Cheer program, which helps families struggling to cover rent, utilities and groceries provide gifts for their children. Parents work with case managers to build wish lists. Each child receives toys, a handmade stocking and a new book selected by their parents.

Families also get wrapping paper and tape so they can prepare the gifts themselves.

"We are grateful to Dorothy's Dash, FMYSA, Perfect Game, and everyone who joins this effort to support local children," Ashley Anderson of CCA said, according to the Cross Timbers Gazette.

Dorothy's Dash is a 5K and Kid's K race now in its 22nd year, according to Flower Mound Local Life. The race honors Dorothy Walkup, a former Town of Flower Mound employee. Proceeds benefit the Texas Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Every Kid's K finisher receives a medal.

How to help if you can't make it

CCA's Christmas Cheer page lists several ways to pitch in from home. The nonprofit asks for new, unwrapped gifts valued at $25. Teen gifts are the greatest need this year.

Suggested items include headphones, makeup sets, grooming kits and wallets for teens. For younger children, CCA suggests Legos, science kits, action figures and arts-and-crafts kits.

Donors can also ship items from CCA's Amazon Toy Wishlist or make a financial gift by texting "CCA" to 26989. Volunteers age 12 and older can sign up at ccahelps.org/volunteer to help sort toys and assist at the gift distribution.

Upcoming

  • Saturday, Nov. 7: CCA Christmas Cheer toy drive, 7 a.m.–8 p.m., Bakersfield Park, 1201 Duncan Lane
  • Saturday, Nov. 7: Dorothy's Dash 5K and Kid's K, Bakersfield Park
  • Ongoing: Toy donations accepted at CCA, 200 S. Mill St., Lewisville, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.