Saturday’s Toys For Tots toy drive received fewer donations than last year’s, according to former U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. and current Warsaw Police Dept. Sgt. David Morales. Morales, coordinator of the annual toy drive, said they collected 2,250 toys from 7 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the new city hall in downtown Warsaw. Monetary donations totaled $900. That is down by about 1,500 toys. Over four days last week, Willie 103.5 collected 3,475 toys for Toys For Tots during its drive, Morales said. The Toys For Tots drive started Nov. 17 and goes to Dec. 12. Morales encouraged people to keep donating, and said monetary donations are appreciated. About 40 volunteers showed up Saturday to help with the toy collection, including choir groups from Warsaw and Wawasee high schools. Morales said Biomet provided a huge donation of toys. An anonymous individual brought in a truck full of toys. Warsaw Community Schools brought in its collection of toys. American Bikers Aimed Toward Education rode their motorcycles in to the drive to drop off their toy and monetary donations. “It was very nice of them as well,” Morales said. Other large donations came from the Grossnickle family and Bruce Howe, he said. He gave a big thanks to the city of Warsaw for the use of the new city hall and parking lot for the toy drive; Martin’s Supermarket for providing food; and the National Guard for use of a display vehicle. Judy Brown with RE/Max provided the box truck for the drive. Those who want to provide donations can still give at any of the drop-off locations, which 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; Martin’s; and a number of downtown businesses. WNDU Channel 16 news anchor Tricia Sloma and meteorologist Frank Waugh were on hand Saturday to broadcast the toy drive. Sign up for the program is today, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 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. today and Tuesday, and 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. 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, who gave handmade toys to needy children. From there the program grew and now corporations help sponsor the drive. Morales began the Toys For Tots program in Kosciusko County in 1990. It is strictly a volunteer effort. 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.
