The Voices Toy Drive, which helps every child in Arizona’s foster care system, has kicked off and runs through Dec. 10.

The drive provides brand new, age-appropriate items such as toys, games, books, sports equipment, and science and art kits for infants and children up to 11 years old living in foster care. For teens ages 12 to 17, gift cards are appreciated for food and fun (Starbucks, Coldstone, Jamba Juice, etc.), movies and especially Walmart and Target to buy items they need.

Drop-off locations are available at every Mountainside Fitness, with Northwest Valley locations in Peoria, Glendale and Surprise.

Mountainside Fitness founder and CEO Tom Hatten said he has been a long-time supporter of Voices for CASA Children, particularly through a charity auction and this toy drive.

With 100,000 Mountainside Fitness members, he said, this gives a lot of exposure for Voices for CASA Children to people who may not have been aware of the organization.

“We’re really excited about the partnership and being able to aid and support Voices for CASA Children in this way,” Mr. Hatten said. “We are very excited to have the Mountainside members be a part of their story.”

Voices for CASA Children is a nonprofit that recruits and supports Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers who help children in the foster care system by letting them know they are cared for and safe; and by engaging the community to help drive awareness about the plight of Arizona’s abused and neglected children. Voices is an affiliate of the National CASA Organization.