CT Lottery's 8th Annual "Give a Child a Toy, Not a Ticket" Holiday Toy Drive Delivers More than 15,000 Toys to Connecticut Children's

January 12, 2022 – The Connecticut Lottery Corporation’s (CLC) 8th Annual "Give a Child a Toy, Not a Ticket" Holiday Toy Drive successfully delivered more than 15,000 toy donations in total to Connecticut Children's. The CLC in partnership with iHeartRadio, has donated nearly 30,000 toys over the years, while also spreading the Responsible Gambling message that lottery tickets are not suitable gifts for children.

From November 18 through December 21, 2021, 14 U-Haul locations, six Geissler’s Supermarkets, all 10 Sportech retail locations and several local area businesses participated in the toy drive. Most notably, Stop & Shop made the first time commitment to participate in all 89 of its Connecticut stores and alone presented over 6,000 toys. The CLC will make a final delivery of the remaining donations to Connecticut Children’s today.

“Promoting responsible gambling is a constant priority for the Connecticut Lottery, and it’s important to us that we drive home the message that lottery tickets are entertainment for adults 18 years and older,” said Greg Smith, President & CEO, CLC. “It’s extra special for us to be able to deliver that message each year, while also helping Connecticut Children’s in their goal of providing comfort and enjoyment to patients who are in the hospital, whether during the holidays or any other time of year.

“Connecticut Children’s is grateful to partner with the Connecticut Lottery Corporation for the eighth year in a row, and delighted 89 Stop & Shop locations joined in this wonderful holiday campaign,” said David Kinahan, president of Connecticut Children’s Foundation. “The Give a Toy, Not a Ticket” donations provided joy and holiday cheer to hundreds of patients over the holidays and will continue to engage, entertain and heal thousands of children throughout the year.”

During December, the CLC once again participated in the National Council on Problem Gambling's (NCPG) annual Gift Responsibly campaign at the council's highest level of public engagement, through social media posts, television and radio advertisements, employee and retailer training sessions, and digital advertising to promote the responsible gambling message that lottery tickets are not suitable gifts for minors.
If you or someone you know is affected by a gambling problem, please call the CT Council on Problem Gambling’s Helpline at 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/get-help for more information.

About the Connecticut Lottery Corporation

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) is a quasi-public state agency committed to generating revenue for Connecticut in accordance with the highest standards of public policy and social responsibility.

In fiscal year 2025, CLC awarded more than $1.3 billion in prizes, paid $81.9 million in commissions and incentives to its network of more than 2,800 retail partners, and contributed approximately $362 million to the state’s General Fund. Through the General Fund, CT lottery dollars support services and programs that benefit Connecticut residents and communities, including education, public health, public safety, and libraries.

Since 1972, the Lottery has contributed nearly $12 billion for the State of Connecticut.

Lottery purchases are limited to adults age 18 or older. Players must be at least 21 to place sports wagers.Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org.