In recent years, the Toys For Tots program has seen a growing need. Saturday, the toy drive returns to downtown Warsaw for people to drop off their donations to give less fortunate children a brighter Christmas. In 2010, Toys For Tots alone helped more than 258 families in Kosciusko County. In 2011, according to former U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. and Warsaw Police Dept. Sgt. David Morales, the program alone delivered to about 800 kids from 294 families. Through supporting programs at Combined Community Services, Salvation Army and Helping Hands, Morales said the program supported 3,853 kids from 1,500 families in the county. During the toy collection last year, Morales said a total of $1,800 in monetary donations was received and about 8,100 toys, with about 7,900 of those being distributed. In 2010, $2,200 was received in monetary donations. The Trinkets For Teens program, run by Warsaw Community High School students in conjunction with Toys For Tots, is a big factor for collecting Christmas gifts for the teenage group, Morales said. About 30 percent of the children supported by Toys For Tots are teenagers. Teens get gift bags, with pink ribbons for girls and blue ribbons for boys. The Toys For Tots drive started Nov. 17 and goes to Dec. 12. Toys will be delivered to families between 8:30 a.m. and noon Dec. 22. Someone should be home to receive the toys or make arrangements to pick them up prior to that date. Drop-off locations this year for Toys For Tots include: UPS, Warsaw; Applebee’s, a national sponsor, Warsaw; CVS, Warsaw and North Webster locations; Walgreen’s, Warsaw, Syracuse and North Webster; all Dollar General Stores in Kosciusko; Marsh; Mutual Bank, Syracuse; Ruby Tuesdays; Day Chiropractic, Warsaw; Warsaw Community Schools; Warsaw Police Dept.; both Owen’s stores in Warsaw; Reneker’s; Walmart; Menards; Big R; Best Deal Auto; WRSW; Family Video; Monteith Tire; Duffy’s Pub, Syracuse; Winona Lake Fire Dept.; Warsaw Community Development Corp.; Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce; Orchard Ridge Apartments; and a number of downtown businesses. “Martin’s Supermarket again is a big sponsor for the Warsaw and Michiana area and have been for a number of years,” Morales said. Biomet is having its own internal drive, he said. The toy drive Saturday at the new city hall on Buffalo Street in Warsaw will feature Tricia Sloma and Frank Waugh from WNDU Channel 16 from 7 to 10 a.m. Morales will remain on-site until 11:30 a.m. for late donations. The Salvation Army will provide warm refreshments for volunteers, and Martin’s will provide food. Willie 103.5 hosted its Toys For Tots toy drive Monday, Tuesday and today, and will finish at Walmart Friday. Ruby Tuesday will have a day where a percentage of people’s meals purchased will be donated to Toys For Tots. Morales said the date is to be announced. Volunteers to help Saturday, sort toys or deliver toys Dec. 22 are welcome. Volunteers should be at the WPD at 8 a.m. Dec. 22. Anyone willing to volunteer can contact Morales at dmorales@warsaw.in.gov or 549-4457. “All this is volunteer time,” Morales said. “It’s a volunteer effort on my behalf to give back to the community.” He said he and his family were proud to do it and it brought them all joy. Many volunteers also give their time to make it happen. “I just enjoy it,” Morales said. “I look forward to it.” Sign up for the program will be Dec. 3-4, 6-7 at the WPD building behind the new Owen’s store off Center Street in Warsaw. Signs will be posted. Do not use the front lobby. Times will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3-4, and 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6-7. You will need a picture ID for filling out the application. No grandparent or other relative may sign up their grandchildren unless they have full custody of them and have the documentation. Ages that can be signed up are babies to 17 years old. If you are signed up with any other agency or church in the county, you cannot receive help from Toys For Tots. Toys For Tots was started in 1947 by a Marine and his wife. Handmade toys were given to needy children by the couple. From there, the program grew and now corporations help sponsor the drive. Morales began the Toys For Tots program in Kosciusko County in 1990. For more information about being a drop-off site, requesting help or making a donation, visit www.toysfortots.org Click on Indiana, then Kosciusko County.
