New Jersey Cannabis Industry Launches Holiday Toy Drive to Benefit Local Families Led by GG’s Garden Co.

Ericka Padilla-Toro, known as The Ganja Goddess, and founder of GG’s Garden Strain Journal is spearheading a statewide holiday toy drive uniting New Jersey’s cannabis industry to benefit The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey (TCHS). The initiative brings together dispensaries, brands, and ancillary businesses to support families during the holiday season.

“Through this toy drive, we’re striving to break outdated perceptions and show how deeply we care about our neighborhoods and the families within them,” says Padilla-Toro, an alumna of SUNY New Paltz, Rutgers University, and the Minority Cannabis Academy. “We’re building bridges and creating new narratives that show cannabis businesses can be powerful community partners.“

About The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey

TCHS provides essential services including adoption support, child care, and abuse prevention programs. The donated toys will help bring joy to children while alleviating holiday stress for parents served by the organization.

Toy Drive Details

Collection Period: Through December 12, 2024
Items Needed: New, unwrapped toys for children of all ages
Additional Donations: Gift cards and monetary donations also accepted
Special Request: Teen gifts are particularly needed

Drop-Off Locations

North Jersey

Elevated by The Cannaboss Lady 9 Highland Pl, Suite 1, Maplewood, NJ 07040
CannaVibes 1 US-46, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
The Trimmer Store 1275 Bloomfield Ave, Building 8, Unit 67, Fairfield, NJ 07004
The Cannabis Place 1542 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Got Your Six – 4437 NJ-27 Princeton NJ 08540
Casa Verde Dispensary 315 US-46 Dover NJ 07801

Central Jersey

Mass Grown 34 Mill St, Mount Holly, NJ 08060

South Jersey

Hello High Dispensary 7685 Black Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Conservatory Cannabis Co 2516 Fire Rd, Suite 2, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

Community Impact

The response from both the cannabis industry and local communities has been overwhelmingly positive. Padilla-Toro envisions expanding the program into an annual statewide tradition, demonstrating the cannabis industry’s commitment to social responsibility and community service. She says: “We all should make social impact part of our business. We should continue to forge relationships, stay committed to our visions, and not let anyone dim your compassion. By coming together and building strong connections, we can be a powerful force for positive change.”

For more information about sponsorship opportunities (tiers range from platinum to silver), drop-off points, or other ways to get involved, contact Erika, and/or the participating locations listed above.

All donations will be distributed through TCHS to ensure they reach families in need throughout New Jersey communities.

Photos provided by GG’s Garden Co./GG’s Strain Journal

Written by: Veronica “Vee” Castillo is known as the <Traveling Cannabis Writer>. She is a published writer, connector, traveler, and a member of the <Minority Cannabis Business Association> Board of Directors.

Her body of work, which includes over 200 published articles in 15 publications, covers all things and people in cannabis/ hemp/ and overall plant medicines. She can be found in both digital and print where she provides cannabis industry and community insights from her 6 year journey around the country.

She specializes in bringing to light the hidden gems in the plant space and beyond. You can follow her journey on Instagram: @vee_travelingvegcannawriter and/or LinkedIn: @Traveling Cannabis Writer