This year marks the 60^th Anniversary for the National Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, which United Way is in charge of locally.  The goal of the program is to receive donations of new, unwrapped toys to distribute to needy children ranging from infants to 12 years old in the Grand Cities Area. As the program ages the needs in the community also grow.  Last year about 250 families with over 650 children received gifts from the program.  This year the numbers have almost doubled as 562 families and over 1150 children have qualified for the program to receive a toy.  All of these families have been referred from United Way organizations, Head Start, Grand Forks County Social Services or the school system.  Every child deserves a toy and the community has responded to the needs and each of the children received a special toy this Christmas.

 A combined total of 1857 toys were donated this year from the National Toys for Tots and local donations.  Local businesses volunteered to serve as collection points for donations, which are listed below.  The Ralph Engelstad Arena also conducted a toy drive at its Fan Fest.  FedEx volunteered to pick up all the donations from the local collection sites and deliver them to the distribution site at Columbia Mall. The distribution took place on December 17-19 where referred families chose a toy for each child at the Columbia Mall, which donated a store for distribution.

 Volunteers were very instrumental with the distribution process to help make the program a success. Thanks to the returning volunteers who do an amazing job with the set up and organization of the distribution process: Dianne and Rick Blair, Melissa and Tyler Artilip, along with SEI members- Michele Thiel, Holly Hadler, and Ann Miller.  Thanks to first time Toys for Tots volunteers who helped with the distribution process: Amy Anderson, Liz Fristad, Sheyna Jensen, Erin Jabs, and Kari Nolz.  All the work that these volunteers put in was appreciated as they all showed enthusiasm and organization to help make it a fun experience for all the workers and families involved.

 It is a great feeling to see the number of families that come through the program with different reactions ranging from tears to smiles as they find that “perfect” toy for their child.  This allows for all children to have hope and experience the joy of Christmas, while motivating them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens, and community leaders. Thanks to the community’s response to help make sure that every child left with a toy and a smile!

 For more information on the National Toys for Tots program visit www.toysfortots.org.

This year there were approximately 15 distribution locations for Toys for Tots boxes. They are as followed: