Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
It's that time of year - when U.S. Marine Corps Reserve officer David Morales begins the Toys for Tots drive.
For the 14th year, Morales, who serves as the Warsaw Police Department Warsaw schools liaison, will take the names of families who need Christmas gifts for their children. Toys collected Saturday at the National City Bank Plaza on Center Street (across from the Kosciusko County courthouse) and at various drop-off stations will stay in this county.
"It's a duty," said the 17-year member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (with four years active duty). Toys for Tots is the USMC's premier community action program, officially adopted by the Corps in 1948.
Morales said toys for children of all ages can be brought to him from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday in downtown Warsaw. From 7 to 10 a.m., WNDU-TV personalities Tricia Sloma and Gordy Young will broadcast from the plaza.
Drop-off stations have been established at the Warsaw Police Department, the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, all county Dollar General stores, Owen's supermarkets, Reneker's Sports Shop, Big Lots, the Dollar Tree, Kmart, Marsh Supermarket, Monteith Tire, Warsaw schools, Big R, Wal-Mart, National City Bank branches and S&T Supply in Atwood.
Last year more than 10,000 toys were collected and distributed to hundreds of families in Kosciusko County. Some go to organizations like Combined Community Services, Helping Hands, the Salvation Army and area churches. Some are hand-delivered by volunteers. Morales and his family deliver toys to as many as 60 families on Christmas Eve.
"All I need is a name, address, telephone number and the ages and gender of the children," Morales said. He takes names from anyone - school officials, churches and friends of friends in need.
This year his "list" will be cut off Dec. 21 and then Morales and his little helpers - other WPD officers, friends, students, scout troops - will sort and begin to deliver the items.
For more information, call Morales at WCHS, 574-267-5099, Ext. 2367, or the Warsaw Police Department, 574-372-9511.
