“GIVE A CHILD A TOY, NOT A TICKET” THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The CT Lottery is celebrating the 12th year of its “Give a Child a Toy, Not a Ticket” Holiday Toy Drive and reminding players that toys should be given to kids for the holidays, not lottery tickets.

This year’s toy drive runs from November 1 through December 19, 2025, with collection sites located throughout the state at participating Cumberland Farms and U-Haul stores, along with CT Lottery headquarters in Wallingford and Fanatics Sportsbook locations statewide.

All toys collected will be donated to Yale New Haven’s Toy Closet, which provides age-appropriate toys to kids who visit their pediatric facilities year-round.

“Each year, this toy drive reminds us what the holiday season is truly about—giving back and bringing joy to children and families in our communities. At the same time, it’s an opportunity to reinforce an important message that lottery tickets are meant for adults, not children,” said Frank Suarez, CT Lottery President & CEO.

Over the last 11 years, CLC has donated more than 30,000 toys to local programs such as the Toy Closet during the holidays.

“The Toy Closet Program of the Yale New Haven Hospital Auxiliary appreciates the thoughtfulness and energy in providing toys for our Pediatric Patients in the Health Care System,” said Diane Petra, Chair of the Yale New Haven Hospital Auxiliary Toy Closet Program. “The toys donated by the CT Lottery’s ‘Give a Child a Toy, Not a ticket’ Holiday Toy Drive will provide many smiles for our Pediatric Patients and Families throughout the year.”

Since 2008, the CT Lottery has partnered with the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) during the holidays to promote the message that lottery tickets are not suitable gifts for children.

For More Information: http://holiday.ctlottery.org

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.