CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Toy Lift is happening as scheduled at Fashion Square Mall outside the old JC Penney store, but Toy Lift President Dave Fafara told Cville Right Now Live’s Adam Hawes he’ll be back out there Saturday for those who could not make it Friday.

Fafara said the first delivery came in around 6:15 a.m. while he was still setting up.

“It was great, so people have been coming through and stuff,” he said.

“I just tell people if you can get out, get out and enjoy the snow and we’re here until 7 o’clock tonight.”

“Obviously, safety is pertinent to what we want the people to feel, so if you can’t come out today they can go online to ToyLift.org and monetarily donate stuff and we’ll shop during the week.”

That said, Fafara is extending his collection time by a day.

“I’m going to be here tomorrow between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” he said.

“We won’t have the tent or anything, but I’ll be outside collecting toys so if people want to come by tomorrow and feel like giving a toy, that’s great.”

Fafara reiterates this is helping 1700 families with almost 3800 kids, 550 kids more than 2024.

“We have one simple goal every year, to put smiles on kids’ faces Christmas morning.”

Fafara says the Christmas season in the Charlotteville area doesn’t start with Black Friday or Cyber Monday, but with Toy Lift Friday every year.