The 2015 Toys for Tots drive is now underway in full steam and with big ambitions to gather a record number of toys and stuffed animals this year.
Coordinating officer Dave Brady tells the York Dispatch that the last roundup will be on December 19th. There will be over 250 drop boxes at retailers, offices and various other locations all over York County.
There is only one condition about donating toys – they have to be brand new and unwrapped. The main goal is to provide children in need with a little joy over the holidays. Just last year the Toys for Tots campaign, organized by the York Local Community Organization, gathered nearly 25 000 toys to children. The goal this year is to beat that number and provide toys for even more kids.
People are helping out in various ways. Some popular internet personalities are doing charity streams and other initiatives to raise money which are then donated to Toys for Tots and used to buy even more toys. Brady adds that there are tons of volunteers helping out any way they can. Some are spreading the word out, others are helping with the gathering and organizing of the toys and many more.
Some of the volunteers are previous receivers of toys when they were younger, Brady adds. This is a great way to give back to the community.
All of the gathered toys will be distributed to around 60 different agencies such as The Salvation Army to help get the toys to those who really need them. The Toys for Tots people hope that their efforts will give smiles to the children in need and boost their confidence that little bit more.
There will be several special events that will bring even more awareness to the campaign. It will also be a great opportunity to donate toys. Here are the dates and places:
Christmas Magic at Rocky Ridge Park, Nov. 27 and 28. Each toy donation receives buy-one-get-one admission.
York City Light Up Night, 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4 on Continental Square.
Photo with Santa at Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate, 592 Shrewsbury Commons, 4 to 7 p.m., Dec. 4.
Basket Bingo at the Emigsvile Fire Hall, Dec. 20. Tickets are $5 in advance, $15 at the door.
Those with questions may e-mail toysfortots.yorkpa@outlook.com.
