Toys for Tots kicks off collection, registration campaign for underprivileged families

ALBANY — The Toys for Tots campaign for this year kicks off today in Southwest Georgia, officials announced Tuesday.

The campaign is expected to formally kick off this morning. Toys for Tots is the largest Department of Defense outreach program and serves as an avenue for Marine Corps charity organizations and the community to provide toys for underprivileged children.

Collection boxes for Toys for Tots are found in most major venues — such as Dollar General, Walgreens, Georgia State Patrol Post 40, the Albany Area YMCA and Publix — in the weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday. Shortly before Christmas Day, the collections are taken up, sorted and then distributed to eligible families with children ages birth to 14 who register.

Registration is taking place at The Salvation Army at 304 W. Second Ave. from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 30-Nov.2 and Nov. 6-9. There are certain documents expected in order to register a child, including:

— State-issued picture ID;

— Birth certificates for all children applying;

— Current food stamp summary in applicant’s name;

— Current rent receipt in applicant or spouse’s name;

— Current utility bill in applicant or spouse’s name;

— Verification of all income for the entire home, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Social Security, child support, employment, etc.;

— Medicare cards for everyone in the household.

Officials said that no applications will be taken without complete information. Officials are asking for donations of unwrapped toys with a $20 or less value, or for monetary donations.

The Albany-based campaign serves families in Dougherty, Lee, Worth, Terrell, Baker, Calhoun and Mitchell counties.

Hospital Corpsman First Class Taylor Cossins is the contact for more information on donation or volunteer opportunities. Cossins can be reached at (229) 639-6584 or [email protected]. For questions relating to registration, contact The Salvation Army at (229) 435-1428.

Further information can also be found by visiting https://toysfortots.org/.