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 during operating hours or purchased online and shipped to the following address: ATTN: Toy Drive, Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130.

Eastern State will collect the donations and partner with more than a dozen community organizations to distribute them to neighbors experiencing housing insecurity and local children and families who have been impacted by incarceration.

Toys Accepted: Donations of new, unwrapped toys and books that support children’s imaginations, literacy skills, self-esteem, and creativity at any age are recommended. 

Toiletries Accepted: Donations of new, unwrapped toiletry necessities such as diapers, toilet paper, and menstrual products.

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. Thank you in advance for helping us care for our community and spread holiday cheer this season!

2024 Partners:

• Ardella's House
• The Baptist Worship Center
• Cecil B Moore Recreation Center
• Frontline Dads
• Institute for Community Justice
• Mothers In Charge
• Mural Arts Philadelphia
• Northwest Victim Services
• PAR-Recycle Works
• Philadelphia Department of Prisons
• Prince Hall Philadelphia - Phoenix Lodge #3
• Sisters Returning Home
• TCRC Community Healing Center
• Temple University Department of Criminal Justice
• Village of Arts & Humanities
• Why Not Prosper