Toys For Tots Helps Make Christmas Special For Kids
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
For some families in Kosciusko County this year, the economy may be the "Grinch that stole Christmas."
But with the community's generosity, the Toys for Tots program will help make sure there's at least one present under the tree for each boy and girl on Christmas Day.
Saturday, the toy drive once again will be held at National City Bank, downtown Warsaw, from 7 to about 11 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 a.m.
"National City Bank has always been a great sponsor with the use of their facilities and parking lot. They've been a great supporter," said U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Gunnery Sgt. and Warsaw Police Dept. Corp. David Morales. "I appreciate all the support of the community."
This is the 61st anniversary of the Toys for Tots program. 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.Morales began the Toys for Tots program in Kosciusko County in 1990. He said, "This is all volunteer time, all on my own. It's not mandatory, it's just something I enjoy doing."
Anyone who can not drop off toys Saturday at National City Bank can still donate gifts through Dec. 16. Morales said the last day for taking names for Toys for Tots is Dec. 10 at WPD. The police department is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Distribution of the gifts is set for Dec. 20.
Toys can be dropped off at barrels at all CVS locations in Kosciusko County, Walgreen's, WRSW, Reneker's, Monteith Tire, Marine Recruiting Station, Kosciusko County Sheriff's Dept., National City Bank, Warsaw Police Dept., all Dollar General Stores, Big R, Warsaw Eye Care, Wal-Mart, Warsaw Community Schools and both Owen's locations.
All toys collected stay in this county. Toys should be new and unwrapped.
In 2007, Morales said, the Toys for Tots program serviced several thousand children and hundreds of families in Kosciusko County. In 2005, 7,800 toys were collected, and 6,500 toys were collected in 2006. Children from 1 day old to 16 years old are given Christmas presents through the drive.
Volunteers from the community, fire departments, police departments, local Scouts, 4-H groups and various other organizations help with the delivery of the toys.
For more information, to volunteer or to provide a monetary donation, contact Morales at WPD at 574-372-9534, Ext. 341; cell phone, 574-376-0909; or at Warsaw Community High School, 574-371-5099.
Volunteers also can help deliver the presents on Dec. 20.
"It's for the community and those in need and the less fortunate," said Morales.
