To make a contribution, large or small:
Payment methods:
Secure credit card: https://square.link/u/m0EjI7iC
Mail: Azalea Neighborhood Association, Inc ∙ 1401 Farragut Drive ∙ St. Pete 33710
🎁 Margie’s Toy Drive: Bring Joy This Holiday Season 🎁
Once again, St. Pete Fire & Rescue is teaming up with local schools to make sure no child is forgotten this holiday season. Through close coordination with school counselors, fire personnel help identify families facing real hardship, ensuring that toys go directly to the children who need them most right here in St. Pete.
Azalea has always been one of the most generous neighborhoods in the city, and we’re proud to continue that tradition. Please consider donating a new, unwrapped gift in the $5 - $10 range (or maybe a little more) - something simple that might mean the world to a child this winter.
The Azalea Neighborhood Association will also gladly accept cash donations, which will be used to purchase additional toys to add to the growing pile of holiday cheer.
Margie’s Toy Drive is named in loving memory of Margie Griesi, the beloved founder of the Azalea Neighborhood’s holiday toy collection. Margie began the drive with a simple goal: to bring joy to children who might otherwise go without during the holidays. Her kindness, energy, and deep commitment to community made the toy drive a cherished tradition. Today, we continue her legacy by collecting new, unwrapped gifts for local children, honoring Margie’s spirit with every smile we help create.
Gift ideas:
A note from past president Dominick Griesi: First let me say thank you for continuing Margie's legacy, it means so much to me. Over the years the big issue was always teen age girls.
That is one reason I always purchased 12 hair dryers. Other things needed for girls were hair brushes and nail polish. Also socks for children of all ages.
Footballs, soccer balls and basketballs, toys for girls and boys such as baby dolls (for white and black little girls), cars and trucks for boys.
👶 Toddlers (1–3 years)
Stacking cups or nesting toys
Soft plush animals
Board books with touch & feel pages
Large-piece puzzles
Bath toys
Pop-up or pull-along toys
Baby dolls or chunky vehicles
Musical toys (maracas, tambourines)
🧒 Young Kids (4–7 years)
Play-Doh 4-packs or modeling kits
Sidewalk chalk sets
Crayons, coloring books, sticker books
Mini LEGO® or building block sets
Matchbox/Hot Wheels® car sets
Small action figures or dolls
Simple board games (Candy Land, Connect 4)
Bubble sets or jump ropes
Pop-its and other fidget toys
👧 Older Kids (8–12 years)
UNO or card game packs
Brain teaser or puzzle games
DIY craft kits (bracelets, slime, origami)
Small science kits or magic trick sets
Watercolor sets and sketchbooks
Mini sports balls (soccer, football, basketball)
Socks or winter accessories in fun patterns
Youth T-shirts with sports or superhero themes
Early chapter books or comic books
Glow-in-the-dark stars or nightlights
Novelty water bottles or lunch bags
👱♀️ Teens (13–17 years)
Graphic tees (look for local teams or trends)
Sports team beanies or socks
Lip balm or nail polish sets
Journals or planners with pens
Phone accessories (grips, stands, earbuds)
Reusable water bottles
Card games like Phase 10, Spot It, Exploding Kittens
Sketchbooks or adult coloring books
Cozy throw blankets or fuzzy slippers
Mini LED string lights for room decor
Simple toolkits or bike accessories
Portable power banks or charging cords
Gift sets from stores like Five Below, Target, or Walmart
