Throughout the year, volunteers and donors partner with the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis to serve our community—and the holiday season is no exception. In 2024, you can be part of two meaningful YMCA events that support central Indiana families: the Annual YMCA Holiday Toy Drive and one very special Breakfast with Santa.
Learn more about these programs and discover how you can get involved to make a difference this holiday season.
Annual YMCA Holiday Toy Drive
Since 2000, the YMCA has hosted the Annual Holiday Toy Drive distribution event near the Avondale Meadows YMCA, ensuring families in the Indianapolis area have the chance to give their children gifts during the holiday season. Over the years, more than 61,000 children have received gifts through this program, thanks to the generous support of donors and community partners.
You can help make a difference by donating new, unwrapped toys for children ranging from newborns to teens at any Indianapolis-area YMCA, Tom Wood or First Merchants Bank location. Monetary donations are also welcome and can be made online at indymca.org/events/toy-drive.
Breakfast with Santa: A Downtown Christmas Tradition
Since 1998, the YMCA at the Athenaeum has hosted a magical event known as Breakfast with Santa. Through the support of our community, we can provide a warm breakfast, new gifts, and a meaningful, magical morning for families living in neighboring shelters. You can find your own joy through this special tradition!
Through tailored gift "shopping" experiences, families who come to Breakfast with Santa get to select gifts that perfectly match each child's interests and age. Volunteers delight in the sense of purpose they feel as they play with a toddler while their grown-up goes shopping in Santa’s Workshop. Families select new toys, stockings to fill and kid lit books for the children in their care, knowing they have a way to provide presents for their family this holiday season.
All this North-Pole magic is powered by volunteers and generous donors. Want to see the sparkle in the eye of a child as they see Santa and Mrs. Claus come out on the stage for the first time? Volunteer today. You can also help make a difference by donating new gifts from our Amazon wish list or volunteering with us. Monetary donations are also welcome.
Our Vision: A Healthier, More Equitable, More Connected Community.
At the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, we’re dedicated to building a community where everyone can thrive. Equity is at the heart of everything we do, from our programs to our philanthropy and volunteer efforts. We’re committed to breaking down barriers so that everyone—no matter their background—has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Volunteers and donors are essential to our mission, and we believe everyone has something valuable to contribute. That’s why we strive to ensure our volunteer teams reflect the diversity of our community and that every donation, big or small, makes a meaningful impact. Together, we’re creating a space where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to give back. By working side by side, we can build a stronger, more equitable community for all.