Toys for Tots drive assists record number of children

Another year, another successful Toys for Tots effort.

With the final numbers having been tabulated, it was discovered that 2,093 children (representing 803 families) were assisted through the 2007 Toys for Tots drive. This topped the previous year's record total, when 2,007 children received toys.

As happens every year, Toys for Tots organizers were hit with requests for toys even after the drive officially ended. And as always, they were able to accommodate those late requests to ensure that every child received at least two presents through the Toys for Tots drive.

TRC has been coordinating Chautauqua County's U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive each year since 2001. Every year organizers in TRC's Employment Services Department worry whether they'll be able to meet the demand, and they always succeed thanks to the community's generosity. While this past year was no exception, organizers reported that the outpouring of support from the community was exceptional.

For 2007, a record number of business locations (about 90) assisted the toy drive, either by placing collection boxes at their site or conducting internal toy drives among their employees. Other businesses offered incentives for customers to donate toys. Still others made direct cash contributions, which are needed in order to buy toys for children in age categories that traditionally do not receive enough donations of toys — infants and teen-agers.

Another thing that made the 2007 drive easier on organizers was the fact they had a larger area to store and package the toys. The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation donated use of its basement, which provided ample space for "Toy Central."

"I think it ran really, really smoothly that last week," said Heather Brown, Employment Services Manager, who serves as one of the Toys for Tots Coordinators. "With the DJDC space, we weren't falling all over each other."

Heather thanked everyone who contributed to the effort by donating toys or money, collecting toys, and bagging up toys for children. A craft show, 50/50 ticket sales and raffles raised thousands of dollars in support of Toys for Tots.

While grateful for the opportunity to relax after the hectic effort at collecting and distributing toys, Heather said organizers already are looking ahead to 2008. A donation of $250 was received from one local business after the toy drive ended, so that money is being put toward next fall's Toys for Tots drive, she said.

To read about how a TRC program helped underprivileged children overseas during the holidays, click here.

Mike Volk, Director of Employment Services, thanked everyone who donated, regardless of the number of toys given.

"Even if they bring in just one toy, that's one more child that got a toy this Christmas."

Mike said the biggest contributor to the 2007 toy drive was Toys R Us, which donated $2,500 and matched the donation of a toy for each toy placed in its collection box. For a list of businesses that supported the 2007 Toys for Tots drive, click here.



Thom Slocum, the manager of Friendly's restaurant in Jamestown, poses with Toys for Tots Coordinators Terri Johnson, left, and Heather Brown. Thom camped outside his restaurant for 45 hours to promote Toys for Tots, collecting more than five bins full of toys, as well as $550.

Comments

Every year, the number of children registered for Toys for Tots increases. Without the public’s donations of toys, TRC would not be able to reach its goal: two presents for every child. Toys for Tots benefits children up to age 17, and while the community generously donates thousands of toys every year, TRC always comes up short in some age groups – usually infants and older teen-agers. We also are seeking businesses and organizations willing to collect toys at their locations. To learn how you can support our Toys for Tots drive, contact Mike Volk at 661-1433 or trcesmv@windstream.net