Rialto residents can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at their local library branch to help a child in need this holiday season.

The San Bernardino County Library has partnered again with Children's Fund for the 38th Annual Celebration of Giving Toy Drive, according to a county announcement. Toy collection boxes are set up at participating branches across the county's High Desert, Mountain and Valley communities. The Rialto Branch Library is among them.

All library donations must be in by Tuesday, Dec. 8. That earlier cutoff gives staff time to collect and deliver the gifts to Children's Fund for distribution, the county said. The broader Celebration of Giving campaign runs through Dec. 11 for online and direct donations, according to the Children's Fund website.

The donated toys go to children and youth across San Bernardino County affected by poverty, homelessness, abuse and neglect, as well as children in foster care. Last year, the drive provided more than 32,000 gifts, according to Children's Fund.

"Our libraries are places where communities come together, and this partnership gives our residents a meaningful way to share kindness and generosity during the holiday season," County Librarian Melanie Orosco said in the county announcement.

Three joint-use branches will not collect toys: Summit Branch Library, Kaiser Branch Library and Cal Aero Preserve Academy Branch Library. Residents can confirm their nearest participating branch and its hours at library.sbcounty.gov/library-locations.

Can't make it to a branch?

Residents who cannot visit a library can still participate. Children's Fund offers Amazon Wishlists where donors can purchase requested gifts and ship them directly to the organization at 348 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 110, San Bernardino, CA 92408. Monetary donations are also accepted through the Children's Fund website.

Children's Fund also provides a $25 gift card to every foster youth in San Bernardino County ages 13 to 19, an expense the organization says tops $40,000 each year. San Bernardino County Fire stations are also accepting toy drop-offs countywide, according to Children's Fund.

Upcoming

  • Through Tuesday, Dec. 8: Drop off new, unwrapped toys at participating San Bernardino County Library branches, including the Rialto Branch.
  • Through Dec. 11: Donate online via Children's Fund Amazon Wishlists or make a monetary gift at childrensfund.org/cog.
  • County Library information: 909-387-2220 or library.sbcounty.gov.