Panera Bread Toy Drive
Today kicks off a 3-week toy drive at eight northern Indiana Panera Bread restaurants. The collection will benefit Salvation Army Christmas assistance programs in Lake, Porter, St. Joseph, and Elkhart counties. Collection boxes will be out November 27 to December 16 at each participating Panera Bread. New, unwrapped toys for infants through teens can be dropped off during each location's regular business hours.
Thousands of local families turn to The Salvation Army during the holidays to help put toys under the tree and Christmas dinner on the table. Families hit hard by inflation, job loss, and financial difficulties often face the difficult choice between paying rent or a utility bill and providing Christmas gifts and a festive family meal for their children. Salvation Army programs, like Angel Tree and Toy Shop, help to relieve the extra financial burden of the holidays and ensure that families in need can still experience the joys of the season.
"We're so grateful to Panera for creating this wonderful opportunity," said Major Marc Johnson, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Indiana Division. "With thousands of Hoosier families in need of help this Christmas, a toy drive like this can make a huge impact on our ability to meet the need in each community where we serve. This is a season of joy, and each year The Salvation Army strives to bring that joy to as many of our neighbors in need as we can."
Panera Bread began as St. Louis Bread Company in 1987 and is now operating in 48 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada. This toy drive is just one of many ways that the company gives back to communities through seasonal and year-round philanthropic efforts.
Participating Panera Bread locations:
Goshen: 4026 Elkhart Road
Merrillville: 303 E. 81st Avenue
Mishawaka: 4310 N. Main Street
Munster: 8131 Calumet Avenue
Portage: 6010 U.S. Highway 6
Schererville: 144 U.S. Highway 41
South Bend: 1315 E. Ireland Road
Valparaiso: 2710 LaPorte Avenue #150