CT Lottery Kicks-off 6th Annual “Give a Child a Toy, Not a Ticket” Holiday Toy Drive to Benefit Connecticut Children'sThe CT Lottery is pleased to announce its 6th Annual "Give a Child a Toy, Not a Ticket" Holiday Toy Drive, starting November 8 through December 18. In partnership with iHeartMedia, the event helps the CT Lottery spread the Responsible Gambling message to adults that "lottery tickets are not suitable gifts for children," while collecting toys for Connecticut Children's.
On average, 150 children are treated daily in the Center's emergency department alone, and each child receives a toy. Toys are also given to every child who has a procedure, celebrates a birthday or special event; they are used in multiple playrooms throughout the hospital, and utilized as a distraction from pain before shots, tests and surgeries. In total, the yearly need for donated toys is great—73,000—ranging from a simple deck of cards or silly bands, to the more substantial, board games and video games.
"We are excited to promote our annual toy drive again this year to continue to educate adults that lottery tickets are not suitable holiday gifts for children," said CT Lottery's President & CEO, Greg Smith. "We encourage adults to consider donating a toy at one of our drop off locations as Connecticut Children's is always in need of toys to help provide comfort and enjoyment to patients who are in the hospital during the holidays, and other times throughout the year."
TOY DRIVE DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:
To view a "Wish List" of suggested items appropriate for children of all ages visit connecticutchildrens.org/toys. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off from Nov. 8 - Dec. 18, at the following locations:
• CT Lottery Headquarters, 777 Brook St., Rocky Hill (Mon.-Fri., 8:30AM - 4:30PM)
• CT Council on Problem Gambling, 100 Great Meadow Rd., Suite 704, Wethersfield
• Decker Advertising, 99 Citizens Dr., Glastonbury
• U-haul Moving & Storage of Manchester, 432 Oakland St., Manchester
• Garg Consulting, 2096A Silas Deane Hwy., Rocky Hill
• Hartford Electric Supply Co. (HESCO), 30 Inwood Rd., Rocky Hill
• Scientific Games, 301 Hammer Mill Rd., Rocky Hill
• The Salad Bar, 856 Cromwell Ave., Rocky Hill
• C&A Market, 1088 Boston Post Rd., West Haven
• Zen's Toyland (formerly The Wooden Toy), 1275 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield
• Zen's Toyland, 803 Williams St., Longmeadow, MA
Since 2008, the CT Lottery has partnered with the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) during the holidays to promote the message that lottery tickets are not suitable gifts for children.
If you or someone you know is affected by a gambling problem, please call the CT Council on Problem Gambling’s Helpline at 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/get-help for more information.
About Connecticut Children's:
Connecticut Children’s is the only hospital in Connecticut dedicated exclusively to the care of children and ranked one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and a Magnet® designated hospital. Connecticut Children’s provides more than 30 pediatric specialties along with community-based programs to uniquely care for the physical, social, and emotional needs of children. Our team of pediatric experts and care coordinators bring access to breakthrough research, advanced treatments for both rare and common diseases, and innovative health and safety programs to every child. Connecticut Children’s is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to improve access to healthcare for all children through convenient locations, care alliances and partnerships.
