Apply to receive toys

Applications are now closed for the 2022 Toy Depot which took place on Dec. 14-15, 2022. Stay tuned for the 2023 Toy Depot dates.

Applications for 2023 will open on Nov. 7 and the application deadline is Dec. 7.

How does Empty Stocking Club work?

In October, an application form is sent to area schools, social workers and service agencies for parents to sign up to receive toys and books. The form is simple and does not require a lot of verification or paperwork. Children 16 and under (turning 16 in the current year) are eligible.

The deadline to sign up to receive toys and books is mid-November, and applications are processed in November.

In early December, a Toy Voucher is sent out to all the families via paper voucher or e-mail. In mid-December there are two days of toy and book distribution at the Alliant Energy Center.

Families come in with their Toy Voucher, the Toy Voucher is scanned and the parents, primary guardian or authorized proxy pick out one new toy and book per child. The toys and books are bagged and the parents take them home and can wrap them up to put under the tree.

The Process

How to receive a toy from Empty Stocking Club

1.
Submit your application

Register your age-eligible child(ren) starting in November each year. You caapplication forms are available from area schools, social workers, and service agencies.

Applications for 2023 will open on Nov. 7 and the application deadline is Dec. 7.
2.
Receive your Toy Voucher

In early December, a Toy Voucher is sent out to all applying families via paper voucher or e-mail.

3.
Visit the Toy Depot

With your Toy Voucher(s) in-hand, come to the Toy Depot at Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Toy and book distribution happens over two days in mid-December each year.

4.
Pick out a toy and book for your child(ren)

One parent, primary guardian, or authorized proxy can pick out one new toy and one book per registered child. The toys and books are scanned and bagged at the Toy Depot, and are then ready to take home to wrap and put under the tree.

The next Toy Depot Event will be

December 14-15, 2022

8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin

Apply for a toy
Volunteer
See event details
FAQ
Questions about Applying?

Here are some questions about the Empty Stocking Club application and registration process we commonly get from families wishing to receive toys

If I registered in previous years, am I automatically registered for the current year?

No, you must apply and submit a new registration each year. Not everyone automatically needs Empty Stocking Club each year, and our event aims to address the needs of the current year.

What ages of children can I receive toys for?

Families may select one toy for each of their children ages 0-16. In partnership with the United Way, we are continuing the addition of the Teen Gift Holiday Drive to our toy distribution program. Families are now invited to register all of their children through the age of 16.

Am I still eligible to receive toys for my children if I've received some in previous years?

Yes. Previous participation in Empty Stocking Club does not prohibit anyone from participating in subsequent years.

What if I want to get toys for my grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc.?

Parents or guardians who have primary guardianship of children are eligible to receive one toy and one book for each registered child. If someone other than the parent or guardian is picking up toys, they must have the voucher for those children signed by the parent.

How many toys can I get?

Family members may select one toy and one book for each child verified on their voucher.

Can each parent or guardian pick a toy for a child?

The Empty Stocking Club provides one new toy and one new book per child, not a toy per parent to give out. The application process captures the names of parents or primary guardians and names and birthdates of their children to avoid duplication.

How do I sign my child(ren) up to receive a toy?

Families must register to participate in the Empty Stocking Club by filling out an application. Applications ask for basic information about parents or primary guardians along with the first names and ages of each child in the family age 18 and under. Applications are distributed via schools and community organizations and can also be submitted online.

When and where is the Toy Depot?

The 2022 Empty Stocking Club Toy Depot will take place from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14 and Thursday, December 15 at the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall in Madison, Wisconsin.

Can I register onsite? What if I forgot to register and the deadline has passed?

You may register your child(ren) onsite at the Alliant Energy Center from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14 or Thursday, December 15 by bringing in a photo ID, something showing your current address and birth certificates or something else showing the date of birth for your children being registered. On-site registration may require additional time, depending on lines.