Toys for Tots kicks off 77th year with drive in Albany area

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE-ALBANY – For the 77th year, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve is taking aim at providing Christmas cheer for children through its annual Toys for Tots program. The team kicked the local drive off this week at Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany.

As they have for a decade and a half, the Marines are partnering with the Salvation Army of Albany to collect and distribute toys. The Albany area drive collects toys for children in a 15-county area.

Over the 76 years of the program, toys have been distributed to more than 301 million economically disadvantaged children throughout the country, 1st Sgt. Paul Alejo Jr., the Toys for Tots coordinator for the Albany region, said. Last year’s campaign provided toys for more than 2,200 children in southwest Georgia.

“Last year, over 12,000 toys were collected,” Alejo said. “Our goal is to double last year’s number. We’re asking individuals to help in any way they can.”

The Toys for Tots partners are requesting area businesses participate by placing a collection container on their premises for the 2024 drive.

Individuals may donate unwrapped toys suitable for children ages 0-12 at a collection site. Collection boxes also will be available at retailers who sell toys to make it convenient for donors to purchase gifts and drop them off at the same location.

Individuals also can make a toy or monetary donation or request toys by visiting https://albany-ga.toysfortots.org.

In addition to online donations, donations and participation requests also may be made at the 304 W. Second Ave. Salvation Army location, Capt. Tasha Thomas said.

“The Salvation Army is so excited to once again support the Toys for Tots campaign as it has for many years,” she said. “This year, we’ll provide an in-person opportunity for those who may not have computer access. This will be a wonderful opportunity, and we hope families will be impacted in a positive way this year.”

Requests for toys may be made from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. each Wednesday through Dec. 4.

The campaign culminates when parents pick up the toys at the Salvation Army. Sometimes, officials noted, parents are accompanied by children who get to experience the magic of receiving their gifts.

“It’s very rewarding,” Thomas said.

Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]
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