Elder Community Service – Toy Drive & Toy Shop

TOY COLLECTION & TOY SHOP

HISTORY
The Elder Toy Shop was started in the 1980’s by Mrs. Liz Witte, an Elder mom.  Mrs. Witte believed that all kids should have some toys to open on Christmas day and she decided to do something about it.   For many years while her sons were at Elder, Mrs. Witte would coordinate the collection of food and toys to be distributed to needy families in Over-The-Rhine.  As the years went and her sons graduated, the reins were passed to her son Pete Witte who still supports the event to this day.  As the demographics of our city changed, the Toy Shop changed to serve primarily our Price Hill neighbors in need.  We are pleased to be able to honor Mrs. Witte’s legacy as we prepare for Toy Shop this year.  CLICK HERE for a Price Hill Press article from 2011.

TOY DRIVE 2026
On Wed, Dec 2, Elder will have a Theme Day and students are asked to bring in one or more unwrapped toys that will be used at our Toy Shop.  The type of toy to be brought in will be based upon students’ HR teacher.  We truly appreciate any support students and parents can give to our Toy Shop this year!

TOY SHOP 2026
We are excited to partner with St. Vincent de Paul once again this year and be a part of their Christmas Together programs.   SVDP has a long history of serving neighbors in need in Cincinnati (and around the world), and they have hosted successful Toy Shops for many years, helping neighbors in need who request assistance during the Holiday season.  Even though we are working with SVDP this year, the neighbors who will be shopping at Elder’s Toy Shop reside in the Price Hill area – so we are truly helping our neighbors in need again this year.  NOTE: All families invited to our shop will have been notified by St. Vincent de Paul.  Unfortunately we are NOT able to accept walkups.

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS & ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
STUDENTS: Ambassadors are taking most of the volunteer positions. however we have a few spots for non-Ambassador volunteers.  If you are interested in helping with Toy Shop Setup on Fri, Dec 11 (2:30 – 4:30 PM) and the Toy Shop on Sat, Dec 12 (8 AM – 1 PM). Email Todd Forman (formant@elderhs.org).
PARENTS: We need moms and dads to help us with our Toy Shop Setup and Gift Wrapping at the Toy Shop event.  CLICK HERE if you can help.

CLICK HERE FOR CHRISTMAS 2025 RECAP