The Community Assistance Program is bringing back its Community Toy Store for the 2026 holiday season, offering gift assistance for families with limited income in Blaine, Birch Bay and Point Roberts.
CAP’s Community Toy Store provides donated, brand new toys and gift cards at a markdown of about 75%. Items are displayed as if in a store, giving parents and guardians the opportunity to shop and select a few items for each child. Cash is the only accepted form of payment, and all proceeds are donated to local nonprofit groups that provide basic needs assistance for the community.
The toy store will be open from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 12 at Christian Way Community Church, 1733 H St., suite 260.
Registration
Families living in the Blaine School District that are eligible to receive free or reduced school lunch and are not already receiving other gift assistance are qualified to register.
Preregistration is required and will be open Nov. 1 through Nov. 29, and is available online at blainecap.org or by calling 530-828-5195.
Those that need additional assistance may apply for vouchers, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Donations
CAP is accepting monetary and in-kind donations from Nov. 1 through Dec. 4 in a variety of ways.
For those who prefer online shopping, CAP has wishlists both on Amazon and at the Launching Success Learning Store in Bellingham, which offers a 15% discount when shopping for the toy store, either online or in person at 1707 N State St. Links to these wishlists may be found at blainecap.org.
For other in-store shopping, CAP is seeking brand-new, high-quality toys in the $20-$50 range, and suggests items such as Lego sets, action figures, sports equipment, musical toys, etc. Please do not gift wrap items.
For middle and high schoolers, CAP recommends gift cards in the amount of $25 to stores such as Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, Ulta Beauty and Regal Cinemas, among others.
Collection boxes will be available at various locations in Blaine and Birch Bay, including the Blaine Library, Semiahmoo Golf Club and Blaine Senior Center from Nov. 1 through Dec. 5. See the full list of locations online. Please note that not all locations accept gift card donations.
Monetary donations are accepted online with a credit or debit card, and checks should be made out to the Community Assistance Program with “Community Toy Store” in the memo line. Mail checks to 508 G St.
