Another successful holiday for Toys for Tots
During the holiday season, large, white boxes emblazoned with the “Toys for Tots” name and logo can be found in numerous businesses, restaurants and offices across the country.
These boxes serve as a way for people to help children’s Christmas wishes come true.
Since 1947, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve has been collecting toys in these boxes and bringing joy to children in need.
According to Dan Martin, organizer for the Fayette County program, about 1,100 Fayette County children will receive these special gifts under their Christmas tree this year.
After all the boxes were collected and the monetary donations were used to purchase additional toys, there were between 2,000 and 3,000 toys and stocking stuffers that were given away on Dec. 17 and 18 to Fayette County residents.
“Our goal was two major toys per child and stocking stuffers and that is what we had,” said Martin. “We did have that for a lot of ages, but in one age group we could give more than two toys because more were donated.”
Martin said the variety of toys offered included everything from bicycles and some of the season’s most popular toys to puzzles and games.
In addition to the toys, Martin said those who were involved with the annual event were also integral in sharing the magic of Christmas.
“There are a lot of wonderful people and families. There were companies that had Christmas parties and they said that everyone had to bring a toy for Toys for Tots (to the Christmas party). There was a lot of kindness and caring and compassion throughout, including the volunteers that help collect, sort and distribute (the toys),” said Martin. “The kindness of people of the area made this possible. I hold this second to none in the country. I want to thank all of the anonymous donors. They are very gracious to donate every year and make it (Christmas) possible for the less fortunate people in Fayette County.”