Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program brightens Christmas for hundreds of area children

December 1, 2005

The holiday season is fully underway and United Way of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and Area is once again coordinating the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.  Since 1947, the program has distributed millions of toys to needy families.  Last year, 400 area children received toys from the program.  Toys for Tots goal is to "help needy children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas,” as well as send “a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.”

Collection of toys for children in Grand Forks County and the East Grand Forks area began on Friday, Nov. 25, and will continue through Friday, Dec. 9.  Please help brighten an area child’s Christmas this year by dropping off new, unwrapped presents valued at $10 to $25 at any of the following collection sites:

• The Air Base Exchange

• Best Buy

• Calvary Lutheran Church

• Center Court Fitness Club

• Development Homes

• Firestone Tire & Service Center

• Hansen Toyota

• Home of Economy

• All Hugo’s locations

• K Mart

• Kon Nechi Wa’s

• Revolutions Power Sports

• Tropics Tanning Salon

• Unique Impressions

• The United Way office

• UPS

• Wal Mart (employee lounge only)

• Both Wells Fargo locations

You may also make a cash donation to help with the purchase of new toys.  Contact United Way at: 775-8661, or stop by our office at: 406 DeMers Avenue.

In order to qualify for the Toys for Tots program, families with infants and children through 12 years of age have to be referred by child care providers, school counselors or social service agencies. Families who are on assistance programs and can provide proof may also apply.  Postcards will be sent to eligible families notifying them of their scheduled toy pick-up time and date.

The Toys for Tots program has received help from many generous volunteers this year.  Employees from both FedEx and SEI are volunteering their time and energy.  FedEx is picking up and delivering toys to the distribution location, and SEI will be helping with the distribution process.  Tesoro, a Toys for Tots corporate sponsor, raised funds for the program. Toys R Us also provided funds and assisted with the selection and loading up of toys.  Locally, Henningsen Cold Storage Co. has already run a toy drive, and employees at Amazon.com plan on helping out 50 families.

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For more information contact: Kayla Schramm, Toys for Tots Coordinator, at (701) 775-8661.

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