Toys For Tots Registrations, Collections Announced
It was a simple handcrafted Raggedy Ann doll that launched the U.S. Marine Corps popular Christmas program Toys for Tots for less fortunate children more than 65 years ago.
Today, the organization founded by Marine Corps Reservist Major Bill Hendricks in 1947 is perhaps the most well-known Christmas event across the country. This year, the annual Toys for Tots collection in Kosciusko County will take place from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in the Warsaw City Hall plaza in downtown Warsaw with personalities from WNDU-TV.
Donations of new, unwrapped toys or monetary donations will be accepted that morning for anyone wishing to support the U.S. Marine Corps and the program that will help thousands of children from hundreds of families right here in Kosciusko County. Toys for Tots reaches out to local organizations like The Salvation Army, Combined Community Services, Helping Hands and even churches that help those in need.
Sign-ups for those needing assistance this year are being held from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, Dec. 4-6, at the Warsaw Police Department, 2191 E. Fort Wayne St., Warsaw. Those signing up for assistance must have a photo ID and some type of ID for each child. Those signed up already to receive assistance from any of the other service agencies, churches, or the Shop With A Cop program will not be eligible.
Toy donations may also be made at the following locations: Owen’s grocery stores; Martin’s; Walgreens; Winona Lake Fire Department; Warsaw Community High School and Warsaw Community Schools administration building; Monteith Tire Center of Warsaw; Reneker’s Sports Shop; Big R; Dollar General stores in Warsaw, Syracuse, Milford, Pierceton and Mentone; WRSW/Willie 103.5; Family Video; Best Deal Auto; Walmart; Copper River of Warsaw; Ruby Tuesdays; State Farm on North Detroit Street in Warsaw; Village Pantry/Marathon gas station on South Buffalo Street in Warsaw; CVS stores in Syracuse and North Webster; Mutual Bank of Syracuse; Family Dollar in Silver Lake; Benson Communications in Syracuse.
For additional information, contact Dave Morales at [email protected] or by phone at 574-549-4457 or 574-371-5099.