Toy stores across the city are joining a new effort to keep their stores open. The toy shops are partnering with toy drives to promote shopping locally, while giving back to their neighbors.

"We want to give back to the community and surrounding communities where toys are needed for those who cannot afford them," Mitchell Szpicek, owner of Little Things Toy Store, said.

The toy drive bins are located in the stores, so customers are encouraged to buy new toys at the shops and donate on-site. The collaboration is called Toybox.NYC and it connects toy drives with local shops.

It’s also meant to combat the rise of online shopping.

“It just feels different when you can go and pick your own, rather than look at a picture,” shopper Lori said.

There are multiple stores across the city taking part, and any toy store owners around the five boroughs are invited to join the network.

The group is also looking for additional toy drives to participate in.