FREEPORT, Texas — Residents looking to help local children this Christmas can now begin dropping off donations for the GCT Gives Back: Christmas Toy Drive, with the Freeport Library becoming the first official collection location to begin accepting gifts.
A donation box has been placed inside the library, located at 410 Brazosport Boulevard in Freeport, allowing residents to contribute ahead of the toy drive's official Nov. 2 start date.
The initiative, organized by Gulf Coast Times, aims to collect at least 100 toys and Christmas gifts to assist approximately 40 to 50 children throughout Brazoria County whose families may need additional help this holiday season.
Donations are being accepted for children ranging from newborns through age 17, including new toys, children's books, gift cards, baby items and other age-appropriate Christmas gifts.
Freeport Library Donation Hours
Residents can bring donations to the Freeport Library during its regular operating hours.
According to the Brazoria County Library System, the library's hours are:
- Monday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Hours may vary during holidays or special closures. Residents can contact the Freeport Library at 979-233-3622 to confirm availability before visiting.
Gulf Coast Times encourages residents to consider donating gifts for a variety of age groups, including older children and teenagers, who can sometimes be more difficult to shop for during holiday donation drives.
Residents or businesses wishing to contribute larger or higher-value gifts can contact Gulf Coast Times directly to arrange a scheduled pickup rather than leaving those items unattended in a public collection box.
Two Additional Freeport Locations Confirmed
Along with the Freeport Library, two local businesses have committed to participating in the Christmas toy drive.
Mama C and On The River, both located in Freeport, have agreed to host donation boxes during the collection period.
However, the Freeport Library is currently the only active donation location. The boxes at Mama C and On The River have not yet been installed.
Gulf Coast Times will make announcements on its official Facebook page as each additional location becomes ready to accept donations.
Additional businesses throughout Brazoria County are also being encouraged to participate by hosting collection boxes or contributing toys and gifts.
Businesses interested in getting involved can contact Gulf Coast Times by emailing justin@gulfcoasttimes.com, calling or texting (979) 236-8308, or using the contact form at www.gulfcoasttimes.com.
For residents who would rather contribute financially, the toy drive is also accepting monetary donations through Stripe. Those contributions will be used to purchase additional toys and gifts, particularly for age groups that receive fewer physical donations.
Make a monetary donation to GCT Gives Back
The official collection period runs from Nov. 2 through Dec. 11. Following the deadline, Gulf Coast Times plans to collect remaining donations, sort gifts and prepare packages between Dec. 12 and Dec. 17.
Gift distribution is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19, when selected families will be able to pick up their Christmas gifts at no cost. The location and pickup details will be announced once finalized.
Parents and legal guardians who would like to request assistance can complete the application below. Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance, as the number of families selected will depend on available donations and resources.
Apply for Christmas Assistance Through GCT Gives Back
While the initial goal is to assist approximately 40 to 50 children, Gulf Coast Times hopes to expand that number if community contributions exceed expectations.
Residents are encouraged to follow Gulf Coast Times on Facebook for announcements about additional collection locations, donation updates and other developments as the drive continues.