WFAA Santa's Helpers Drop-off at Epic Rec

EpicCentral and the City of Grand Prairie are proud to once again serve as a drop-off point for the 2026 Santa’s Helpers toy drive, which aims to collect 10,000 toys for local children! The main collection event will be held on December 8 from 5 PM to 8 PM in the Epic Rec parking lot, featuring a convenient drive-through donation system. While dropping off toys, enjoy live entertainment from GPISD high school bands, cheerleaders, drill teams, and football players, and catch WFAA meteorologist Pete Delkus broadcasting live from the event. Can’t make it on December 8? Additional drop-off boxes are available at The Epic, The Summit, Epic Waters, Chicken N Pickle, and Bolder Adventure Park throughout the season.

FAQ

What is WFAA’s Santa’s Helpers? One of North Texas’s largest and longest-running holiday toy drives. It’s hosted by WFAA Chief Meteorologist Pete Delkus and coordinated by WFAA’s Community Impact Team.

How big is it? The 2025 campaign raised $400,000 for toys and gifts for more than 58,000 children across Dallas–Fort Worth.

Has EpicCentral hosted before? Yes. EpicCentral hosted collection nights on December 10, 2024, and again on December 10, 2025. The City’s 2025–26 annual report lists hosting Santa’s Helpers at EpicCentral for a second year as one of its accomplishments. December 8, 2026, makes it three years in a row.

Will it be on TV? In past years, Pete Delkus broadcast live on WFAA from the EpicCentral drop-off. A live broadcast in 2026 is likely but not yet confirmed.

When and where

When is it? Tuesday, December 8, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Where at EpicCentral? 2960 Epic Place, Grand Prairie, TX. Same spot as in 2025.

Is it a drive-through? Yes, though walk-up visitors are also welcome.

What else happens that night? In 2025, Pete Delkus was live on air alongside bands, cheerleaders, and drill teams from both Grand Prairie high schools. The 2026 lineup hasn’t been announced.

Does it cost anything to attend? No admission was charged in past years. The only ask is a new, unwrapped toy.

Donating

What should I bring? A new, unwrapped toy or gift for a child from infant to age 18. Gifts for teenagers are always in short supply.

Is there a toy goal? Grand Prairie’s 2025 goal was 8,000 toys. The 2026 goal hasn’t been announced.

I can’t make it on December 8. Can I still give? Yes. Santa’s Helpers donation boxes will be placed at Grand Prairie City facilities, including recreation centers, City Hall, and libraries. Toys can also go in any Santa’s Helpers collection box across North Texas.

Can I donate money instead? Yes. WFAA accepts online financial donations, which Santa’s Helpers uses to buy needed toys at wholesale prices.

Who it helps and how to get involved

Who receives the toys? Children in need across Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties. WFAA distributes the toys through local nonprofit partners.

Can my business or group take part? Yes. WFAA invites businesses and organizations to engage employees, clients, and members. To support the 2026 campaign, email [email protected].

Where can I get updates? Watch wfaa.com/santashelpers, the City of Grand Prairie community calendar, and this event listing here.