Increasing Numbers in This Year's Toys for Tots Campaign.

January 8, 2007

The annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program wrapped up last week Thursday after distributing toys to over 650 needy children in Grand Forks County and the East Grand Forks area.  The collection and distribution of over 2,200 toys, coordinated by United Way of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Area, ran smoothly thanks to the help of many volunteers, as well as area and national businesses and organizations.

“With the help of the community and volunteers, this year’s Toys for Tots program ran very smooth.” stated Melissa Heikes, Toys for Tots Coordinator.  “To see children and families walk away with smiles on their faces, and even sometimes tears, it makes all of us realize how important this program really is.”

A team of volunteers helped with the many aspects of the program, including Diane Blair who was instrumental in organizing the toys, in addition to setting up the distribution area.  She has assisted with Toys for Tots over the past four years, and is very valuable to our volunteer team.  Erika Lupien, Michele Thiel and Holly Hadler from SEI were also a tremendous help with the distribution process from start to finish.  Their enthusiasm and expertise from helping in years past was must appreciated!

Local businesses and organizations also helped out, including: Big Lots, Calvary Lutheran Church, Center Court Fitness Club, Dak-Min Blood Bank, Developmental Homes, The Dollar Tree, Firestone Tire and Service Center, General Nutrition Center, Green Mill, Home of Economy, Hugo’s, JcPenney’s, K-Mart, Kohl’s, Kon Nechi Wa’s, Mendenhall Presbyterian Church, North Dakota Job Service, Revolutions Power Sports, Tropics Tanning Salon, The UPS Store, UPS Ground, UPS Pembina, Wal-Mart and Wells Fargo.

Dan Sampson, owner of the former Red Geranium Antiques and Gifts location downtown, allowed his building to be used for distribution.  Fed Ex made sure all the donated toys from the collection sites around town arrived at the distribution site. The Grand Forks Park District let the program borrow tables for displaying the toys during distribution.

Local businesses and organizations stepped in and provided assistance.  SEI raised funds and went on their own shopping spree to buy toys with the donations.  Cash donations for purchasing toys came from Vanity and area families.  Two area toy stores helped out by providing exciting, beneficial shopping opportunities.  Toys R Us in Fargo supplied funds and assisted with the selection and loading up of toys, and Big Lots in Grand Forks collected toys and gave a toy discount.

The Greater Grand Forks community also deserves many thanks for filling up the toy boxes at the drop off sites in the area.  The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, United Way of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Area, and the over 250 families who received toys appreciate your kindness and true “Christmas Spirit.”  Our deepest apologies if we omitted anyone, as the amount of support from the community was outstanding.

Since 1947, the Marine Corps Reserve has distributed millions of toys to needy children throughout the nation and United Way of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and Area distributed toys and gifts to 650 children in the community this year.  The Toys for Tots program's 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."

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

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