Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
While shopping this week, don't forget about the children who might not have a Christmas without your help.
Saturday, Kosciusko County residents once again will get a chance to brighten up the lives of area youth by donating new, unwrapped toys during the Toys For Tots drive. The toy drive will be held at National City Bank, downtown Warsaw, from 7 to about 11:30 a.m. Gordy Young and Tricia Sloma from WNDU Channel 16 will be on hand from 7 to 10 a.m., but toys will be collected until 11:30.
All toys collected stay in this county.
Since 1990, the local U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys For Tots program has provided Christmas for thousands of children who may not otherwise have had one. The drive is all volunteer. Anyone wanting to volunteer can stop by Saturday morning to help or contact U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Gunnery Sgt. David Morales.
Morales, a Warsaw Police Department officer who volunteers each year for the drive, said, "The same goal, as always, is to make sure everyone is taken care of, that each child in Kosciusko County is taken care of. The main goal is that they have something under their tree."
If someone can't make it to the drive Saturday, toys can still be donated until Dec. 20. Drop-off barrels are at all Dollar General stores in the county, Big Lots, Warsaw Police Department, Warsaw Community High School, Reneker's Sport Shop, Kohl's, Big R, Wal-Mart, Kmart, National City Bank branches and both Owens stores.
Last year, 7,800 toys were collected, and more than 2,500 kids were assisted. Children from 1 day old to 16 years old are given Christmas presents through the drive. Volunteers from the community, Indiana State Police, Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, clubs and other organizations deliver the gifts.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Morales at 574-372-9534, Ext. 341.
Morales said he appreciates all the volunteers and the companies who donate locations and time to make the toy drive successful.
Toys for Tots was started in the 1940s 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.
