WALDORF, Md. — When The Shops at Waldorf Center learned that Toys for Tots would not serve Charles County this year due to the lack of a local coordinator, the team quickly took action. Having long supported the Toys for Tots program, the center has launched the Gift-A-Smile Christmas Toy Drive, a new community-wide effort created in partnership with Lifestyles of Maryland to make sure no local child is left out this holiday season.
“Due to the absence of Toys for Tots this year, The Shops at Waldorf Center would like to fill in the gap by hosting and organizing a community-wide toy drive to ensure Charles County kids have a smile this holiday season, and we want you to participate if you’re able,” said Natonya Thomas, general manager of The Shops at Waldorf Center.
Lifestyles of Maryland, which served as the official Toys for Tots recipient in previous years, reported receiving more than 830 toy requests within 24 hours of opening registration for families in need — showing the urgent demand for support.
The Gift-A-Smile drive invites local businesses to host collection boxes or help promote the campaign. Donations of new, unwrapped toys will go directly to Lifestyles of Maryland for distribution to families across Charles County.
Participating businesses will be added to a public drop-off list and recognized with a custom Gift-A-Smile logo for marketing purposes. Donations must be unwrapped and delivered by Dec. 8, 2025, to ensure timely distribution.
Businesses or organizations interested in participating can contact Natonya Thomas at Natonya.Thomas@avisonyoung.com or fill out the Gift-A-Smile – Santa’s Helper Signup Form to register electronically.
Lifestyles Of Maryland’s Regional Toy Drive
In addition to the Waldorf Center initiative, Lifestyles of Maryland continues to operate its own Christmas Toy Drive, serving children from infancy through age 14 in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.
Families can register for assistance or donate toys through the nonprofit’s website at lifestylesofmd.org/christmas-toys.
Toy Drop-off Locations (by Dec. 10):
- LifeStyles Main Office: 101 Catalpa Drive, Suite 103, La Plata
- LifeStyles Distribution Center: 3410 Leonardtown Road, Waldorf
- LifeStyles St. Mary’s Office: 21795-F Shangri-La Drive, Lexington Park
- LifeStyles Calvert Office: 301 Steeplechase Drive, Suite 104, Prince Frederick
Most-needed items include:
- Dolls and action figures (diversity appreciated)
- Lego sets, Hot Wheels and craft kits
- Basketballs, bikes and helmets
- Gift cards to Walmart or Target
- New clothes for all ages
Please note: Monetary donations should be directed to Lifestyles of Maryland. The Shops at Waldorf Center and its participating partners are only accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys and are not collecting cash contributions.
Together, The Shops at Waldorf Center and Lifestyles of Maryland are keeping the spirit of giving alive in Southern Maryland — proving that when the community comes together, every child can have a reason to smile this Christmas.
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