WASHINGTON — The Toys For Tots campaign is especially challenged this year because there have been so many disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires.
“When you have those kinds of things happen in Houston or Florida or Puerto Rico, not only do you have a number of people who all of a sudden find themselves in a situation where they need assistance, but your donor base is effected as well,” said retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Pete Osman, CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
Depending on how people choose to help, donations will go to children locally or outside the region.
“Make an online donation, and then we purchase toys in bulk and we push them to the areas that need assistance,” Osman said. “Purchase a toy and drop it in one of the barrels in the D.C. area, and it’s going to stay here.”
Osman said practically anything that doesn’t look like a real gun is welcome as long as it’s new.
“It’s a very simple and inexpensive way to make a true impact on a young person’s Christmas.”
Toys, sports equipment and books will be sorted by volunteers into gender and age groups for distribution to needy children.
“Just dropping a toy into a barrel, or making a simple online donation you’ll help bring the joy of Christmas,” Osman said. “And send a message of hope to that youngster who probably otherwise would go without.”
Learn more at ToysforTots.org.
