Freedom to Give
How Can I Get Involved?
Freedom First and WDBJ7 are hosting quarterly community donation drives in downtown Roanoke to benefit our neighbors. Scroll down to see how you can participate in the giving!
Freedom First supports local communities through financial education, nonprofit partnerships, volunteer initiatives, grants, and programs designed to improve financial well-being and create opportunities for individuals and families.
Support Toys for Tots
Our third Freedom to Give event will benefit Toys for Tots - an organization that has a mission to collect and distribute toys to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas and beyond.
Toys for Tots is a not-for-profit public charity that was created by the U.S. Marine Corps in 1991. Through this partnership, we invite our members and the community to participate in this initiative to spread joy throughout the Roanoke Valley this holiday season.
Accepted Donations & Guidelines
We are collecting new, unwrapped toys and books for children ages 0-12. Accepted donations include:
- New, unwrapped toys
- New children's books
- Age-appropriate games
Please observe the following guidelines:
- All donations must be new and unwrapped
- No used, refurbished, previously owned, or damaged items
- No realistic-looking toy firearms or weapons
- Avoid donating clothing, food, or other non-toy items
- Homemade toys must meet appropriate safety standards
- Monetary contributions may be made through official Toys for Tots donation channels
How You Can Participate
Be sure to follow along for the next opportunity to help our neighbors in Central & Southwest VA.
Donations Go To: Toys for Tots
Date: Thursday, December 10th, 2026
Time: 12-6 pm
Location: 207 Bullitt Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24013 (scroll to see directions and maps below)
We will be collecting donations beginning Mid-November at Freedom First branches and other locations throughout the community that will be announced soon. Directions to Freedom First's Headquarters
Address: 207 Bullitt Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24013
Access from I-581: Take the Elm Ave exit and turn right onto Williamson Rd SE. Take the first right onto Bullitt Ave SE, across from Elmwood Park. Cross the railroad tracks to find the big building with the climber mural, then turn right into our gated parking lot to participate.
Access from Downtown: Follow Williamson Rd SE to Elmwood Park. Pass the Elmwood Parking Garage and turn left onto Bullitt Ave SE, across from the park. Cross the railroad tracks to find the big building with the climber mural, then turn right into our gated parking lot to participate.
Go With the Flow - Here's What to Expect.
When you arrive at the Freedom First Elmwood Headquarters to drop off your donations, just follow the flow of traffic as marked in our map below. The donation tents staffed by volunteers will be on the right-hand side, closest to the train tracks.
Please pull up your car and drop off your items, then keep moving forward and back around the loop and out the gate. If you need an in-kind donation receipt, our volunteers are ready to help you at the donation tents.
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