Lottery Launches 11th Annual Holiday Toy Drive
Massachusetts State Lottery collects new unwrapped toys through December 11 while promoting responsible gift-giving.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Gambling
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The Massachusetts State Lottery has launched its 11th annual Holiday Toy Drive, collecting new unwrapped toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program and regional charities. The drive runs from November 9 through December 11, 2026.
Why it matters
The campaign pairs charitable giving with a reminder that lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for anyone under 18. It is part of a national effort presented by the National Council on Problem Gambling and supported by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries.
The drive is in its 11th year and sets 18 as the minimum age for any lottery ticket gift. The source does not report how many toys have been collected or how many recipients will be served.
The players
Massachusetts State Lottery
The state agency that runs lottery games in Massachusetts and organizes the annual Holiday Toy Drive.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Office of Problem Gambling Services
The state office that works to prevent and address problem gambling and co-promotes the responsible gift-giving campaign.
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots
The national toy-collection program run by the Marine Corps Reserve that distributes donated toys to children in need during the holidays.
The details
Residents can drop off new unwrapped toys Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays, at lottery headquarters in Dorchester or at prize claim centers in West Springfield, Braintree, Lawrence, New Bedford, and Worcester. The Lottery is working with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Office of Problem Gambling Services on the responsible gift-giving message.
Timeline
November 9, 2026: Toy drive begins at regional prize claim centers and headquarters.
December 11, 2026: Toy drive ends.
Industry Context
The campaign is presented under a national effort by the National Council on Problem Gambling and supported by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries. It applies that national framework to the holiday gift-giving season, when lottery tickets are often considered as presents.
Massachusetts residents can donate new unwrapped toys during weekday business hours at headquarters or at any of five prize claim centers across the state. Families are reminded that lottery tickets should not be given to anyone under 18.
The takeaway
Giving a lottery ticket as a gift is not appropriate for children, so choosing an unwrapped toy donation to Toys for Tots is a simple alternative this season. Those who want to donate can do so at any listed drop-off location before December 11.
What happens next
The toy drive closes on December 11, 2026, after which the Lottery will report on donations collected.
Further reading
For more on responsible play and the state's oversight of betting, see Gambling coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 22 News WWLP.
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