Looking for Ways to Volunteer in Charlotte?
Join us each year in November and December as we brighten the holidays for Charlotte kids in need. Scroll down to the volunteer opportunities section of the page to find out how you can help.
Watch this video to get details for the 2019 CMPD Toy Drive (through December 19, 2019):
Watch this video from the 2018 Toy Drive (December 2018) to learn more about this annual event:
Let this video warm your heart as we deliver toys and food to families in need through the 2018 CMPD Toy Drive...
Be sure to check out Dave and Jason on those bikes here during the 2018 Toy Drive...
Watch these videos from E.R. Services' involvement in the 2017 CMPD Toy Drive and get excited with us about making a difference in 2019!
The Mission:
Since 1974, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the CMPD Police Explorers have partnered with the community to provide a Christmas for less fortunate families in Charlotte. When this project started, the Police Department helped 15 families by providing them with gifts for their children. Today, the project is much larger and provides gifts to hundreds of children across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.
The goal each year is to deliver a minimum of three toys apiece to every child identified through the program as a child in need. Gift cards to local grocery stores are also provided to the families. Gifts are delivered by volunteers and CMPD officers.
The Opportunity to Serve:
Toys are collected each year from mid-November until just before Christmas, and then are delivered over the course of two weeks. Most of the toys are delivered on one special big delivery day, which is our favorite, of course! It's wonderful to see smiles on faces!
Donate Toys
Between mid-November to December 19th, anyone can drop off new, unwrapped toys (for kids ages 0-14) at any of the following locations:
- E.R. Services in Mint Hill, NC (11345 Allen Station Dr)
- Any Charlotte Fire Station
- Any CMPD Division Office
- The Christmas Project Kickoff
Toys should be:
- For children up to age 14
- Not violent
- New and unwrapped (You can always provide gift wrapping paper with your donated toys)
Set Up a Toy or Food Drive
Click on this link to set up a toy or food drive at the location of your choice.
Sign Up to Sponsor a Child
You can make a difference in a child's Christmas. Click here to fill out a sign up form.
Volunteer at the Warehouse
Volunteers will assist with sorting donated toys, filling family boxes, wrapping gifts, cleaning up, etc.
- The warehouse will be open late-November through just before Christmas. Volunteers can sign up for any weekday.
- We also need volunteers for Delivery Day. This is when CMPD Officers, CFD, and other volunteers deliver all the gifts to the families.
We also need volunteers for Delivery Day. This is when CMPD Officers, CFD, and other volunteers delivery all the gifts to the families. Click here to sign up to volunteer (through the Salvation Army sign up).
CMPD Explorers Christmas Project Delivery Day
*** You must register to volunteer for deliveries!
There are two different shifts each day that you may sign up for.
- Morning Shift (9:00am – 12:00pm)
- Afternoon Shifts (1:00pm – 4:00pm)
E.R. Services
As a company, we will be sponsoring children, volunteering in the warehouse and delivering gifts - in a company truck. We are excited to play the role of Santa Claus and to bring holiday cheer to children in need. Join us for these rewarding Charlotte volunteer opportunities. You won't regret it!
