The Arizona Builders Alliance is calling on construction workers across the state to help make a difference in the lives of hundreds of children in need this holiday season.

The ABA Community Service Board’s 2020 Toy Drive has begun collecting toys, gifts and donations for five nonprofit organizations that serve more than 880 children and developmentally disabled adults.

Recipients include Sunshine Residential Homes, 17201 N. 63rd Ave., in Glendale; Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, 3405 N. Higley Road, in Mesa; Sequoia Charter School, 1460 S. Horne, in Mesa; Santo Nino Catholic Community, 3206 W. Melvin St., Phoenix; and VALLEYLIFE, 1142 W. Hatcher Road, Phoenix.

The ABA will use monetary donations to purchase toys from a wholesaler, then sort and wrap all the gifts. These charities serve children who are separated from their parents, survived abuse and neglect, or whose families cannot afford to buy Christmas gifts.

Donations will also be used to purchase a large group gift for VALLEYLIFE. This Phoenix nonprofit helps people with physical and mental disabilities who have been abandoned or forgotten.

“The ABA is proud to sponsor our 10th annual toy drive that unifies the local construction industry to give back to the community and support nonprofits that care for our most vulnerable children and adults,” ABA Vice President Erica Lange stated in a news release. “This year is especially difficult for these organizations, and we want to make sure every child gets a toy and every adult feels appreciated this holiday season.”

The ABA teamed up with 18 Valley construction companies including Rosendin, which is sponsoring a 2nd-grade class from Sequoia Charter School that has a dozen students in need. Other contractors, such as JE Dunn Construction, McCarthy Building Companies, Sundt Construction, and Hensel Phelps are urging employees to bring a toy to their local office or make a monetary donation by Friday, Dec. 18.

“On job sites all over town, teams from Rosendin work closely with other construction firms to build structures and grow our communities,” Rosendin Training Coordinator and ABA Community Service Board member Aimee Olmedo stated. “This holiday season, it feels wonderful to come together with industry partners on this important campaign aimed at giving children something to look forward to and building up their spirits during these challenging times.” 

Donors may also drop off toys and gifts at the main collection site located at TD Industries’ Warehouse, 1888 E. Broadway Road in Tempe by calling 602-536-7807 in advance.

All contributions are tax-deductible, and the public is welcome to make monetary donations through the ABA’s website at azbuillders.org, calling 602-274-8222, or by going to the online portal here.