In celebration of this season of giving, Eastern State invites community members to come together and support our neighbors by taking part in a Holiday Toy & Toiletries Drive.

Donations that meet the guidelines outlined below will be accepted from November 29 through December 20. They may be dropped off at the historic site any day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. A collection bin is located at the site’s entrance on Fairmount Avenue. Donations can also be purchased online and shipped to the following address: ATTN: Toy & Toiletries Drive, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Eastern State will collect the donations and partner with more than a dozen community organizations to distribute them. Toys will be distributed to local children and families who have been directly impacted by incarceration or the criminal legal system. Toiletries will be distributed to neighbors experiencing housing insecurity including returning citizens.

Toys Accepted: Donations of new toys and books that support children’s imaginations, literacy skills, self-esteem, and creativity at any age are recommended. Please do not gift wrap the items.

Toiletries Accepted: Donations of new, unused hygiene items in their original packaging will be accepted. Items like deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, wash rags, and soap are encouraged. Please refrain from donating liquid items like body wash, shampoo, or mouthwash as these are challenging to store and distribute. Please do not gift wrap the items.

One in 28 American children has a parent behind bars. In Pennsylvania alone, there are approximately 81,000 children with a parent incarcerated in a Pennsylvania state prison. In addition to the challenges people face while incarcerated, individuals often encounter stigma, discrimination, and policy barriers in securing affordable housing after they are released from prison. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reports that returning citizens are nearly 10 times more likely to experience homelessness than the general public, particularly in the first two years after release.

Thank you in advance for helping us spread kindness, compassion, and generosity this holiday season!

2024 Partners:

• Ardella's House
• The Baptist Worship Center
• Frontline Dads
• Insight PA Cyber Charter School (Student Resource Office)
• Institute for Community Justice
• Mothers In Charge
• Mural Arts Philadelphia
• Northwest Victim Services
• Philadelphia Department of Prisons
• Prince Hall Philadelphia - Phoenix Lodge #3
• TCRC Community Healing Center
• Village of Arts & Humanities
• Why Not Prosper