News writer, Interviewer
The Massachusetts State Lottery kicks off its ninth annual Holiday Toy Drive, combining community giving with responsible gaming awareness.
This initiative supports both the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program and local charitable efforts across the state.
How to participate in the toy drive
Donation locations are available at multiple Lottery claim centers: Dorchester headquarters, Braintree, Lawrence, New Bedford, West Springfield, and Worcester.
You can drop off new, unwrapped toys Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. The drive runs through December 11, 2024.
Supporting communities while promoting responsible gaming
State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who chairs the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, highlighted the impact of this annual tradition:
Each year during the holidays, we are grateful for the kindness and generosity of our customers and employees. Their donations to the Holiday Toy Drive bring joy and excitement to kids throughout the state.
The toy drive serves a dual purpose. Beyond collecting gifts for children in need, it partners with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Office of Problem Gambling Services to raise awareness about responsible gaming practices.
Mass Lottery Executive Director Mark William Bracken emphasized this point:
We sincerely appreciate our players and employees for their support in helping others every holiday season. This is also an important time to remind our customers that Lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for anyone under the age of 18.
This message aligns with the National Council on Problem Gambling and McGill University's International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors campaign to discourage giving lottery tickets to minors.
The toy donations will support various regional holiday campaigns, including Toys for Tots and the New Bedford Firefighters' Union Toy Drive. This initiative demonstrates how the Mass Lottery combines community service with responsible gaming practices during the holiday season.
Holiday promotions for players
While the toy drive represents the spirit of giving, Mass Lottery embraces the holiday season with special promotions designed to add extra excitement for players. These seasonal offerings combine the thrill of winning with festive charm.
The Holiday Winning Ticket promotion runs from October 28 through January 10, 2025, at all Lottery offices. Players who purchase a $50 Holiday Instant Ticket Pack receive a guaranteed winning State of Winning Merry & Bright promotional ticket. This special offer is available at customer service counters during regular office hours.
Players can enter the Merry & Bright holiday promotion by scanning or manually entering non-winning tickets through the Massachusetts Lottery app or website. Each eligible ticket provides one entry into the promotion.
Eligible games include:
- Game 463 – Merry & Bright Blowout
- Game 462 - $2,500,000 Merry & Bright
- Game 461 – $1,000,000 Merry & Bright
- Game 460 - $100,000 Merry & Bright
- Game 464 – Naughty or Nice Cashword
- Game 459 – $10,000 Merry & Bright
Participants can enter through the Mass Lottery website or app, and winners won't need to produce their physical tickets.
The Mass Lottery's holiday initiatives showcase a commitment to community service and player engagement. Through the toy drive and seasonal promotions, the organization creates multiple ways for Massachusetts residents to participate in the spirit of giving while enjoying responsible gaming entertainment during the holiday season.
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