Toys for Tots gathering toys for children; Volunteers also needed

Toys for Tots returns to the South Shore! This annual collection of new, unwrapped toys benefits less-fortunate families in our community.

The US Marine Corps Reserve started the Toys for Tots campaign a century ago to provide new toys to children in need during the holiday season. Along with toys, the organization aims to send a message of hope and support to children. In her visit to the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday to remember the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, First Lady Michelle Obama said, “No matter what anybody says, we are all in this country together. You all belong here. And that’s true not just during the holidays, but every single day of the year.” She reminded those assembled that holidays are about the spirit of service and that, in the United States, people should look out for one another.

You can support the effort in our hometown! Drop your gifts at one of the following locations by December 18 and make a difference for a child this Christmas or Hanukah.

Drop off sites are:

• Cardinale Way Toyota
• South Y Center Raley’s
• Kmart
• CVS
• Fitness Evolution
• Village Toys
• Tahoe Toys and Treasures
• Tahoe Sports LTD
• Safeway
• Toy Maniacs

Volunteers are also needed to help sort out the toys at the American Legion on December 19 and again on December 20 to hand them out to families from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.