Toys for Tots program all about giving for coordinator
Dan Martin is blessed with the gift of giving.
A volunteer for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program in Fayette County for the last 20 years, 17 of them as coordinator, Martin will once again help make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children with the distribution of thousands of toys.
“The goal is to put a smile on the face of a child on Christmas morning,” said Martin.
Martin said the last sign up for the program will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the former PNC Bank in the Uniontown Mall with distribution from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16.
According to Martin, the program is made possible each year help of numerous volunteers.
“We all want to feel we can help make a difference in the lives of these children,” said Martin.
Martin said toys will be given to children through age 12 who are residents of Fayette County.
Each child will receive two major toys and stocking stuffers.
To register, applicants must proof of birth date for the children, photo identification for the parent registering children, ACCESS card and proof of Fayette County residency.
Martin said distribution for children with the last name ranging from A to M will be Dec. 15 and from N to Z on Dec. 16.
According to Martin, 175 collection boxes for toys have been placed at designated sites throughout the county.
Last year, Martin said Toys for Tots distributed nearly 4,000 toys to 1,222 children assisting over 700 families for the holiday.
“It’s the kindness of everyone in Fayette County that contributes and makes this possible each year for less fortunate children,” said Martin.
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a non-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
Now in its 67th year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy or book during the Christmas holiday season. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.