Mesquite Fresh Street Mex has partnered with Phoenix Rescue Mission to collect new, unwrapped toys, nonperishable foods and toiletries for families in need.

The family-owned restaurant launched the Toys for Tacos fundraiser to distribute one free taco in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy donation to Arizona nonprofits. The restaurant aims to collect 1,000 toys with drop-off sites available at all eight Mesquite locations across the Valley — including at 1222 S. Crismon Road in Mesa.

Phoenix Rescue Mission provides Christ-centered, life-transforming solutions to persons facing hunger, homelessness, addiction and trauma. The nonprofit, which has been operating since 1952, asks the public for support of its many programs designed to transform lives, including Hope for Hunger Food Bank, Hope Coach Street Outreach, Temporary Shelter Programs, Men’s Addiction Recovery Program and the Changing Lives Center for Women and Children, according to a release.

“The Toys for Tacos fundraiser was launched to support nonprofits that work everyday to help underserved communities,” Ahmad Alatrash, co-founder of Mesquite Fresh Street Mex, said in the release. “This is our second year collecting toys and we want to surpass the amazing donations collected in 2020. We are thrilled to partner with Phoenix Rescue Mission to support their program and help spread holiday cheer to families throughout the Valley.”

Guests can drop off items at any Mesquite Fresh Street Mex location through Dec. 15. To find a location, go to eatmrmesquite.com. For more information on Phoenix Rescue Mission and other ways to give, go to phoenixrescuemission.org. For a list of suggested items, go to phxmission.org/christmaslist.