Help ensure that all local kids have a Merry Christmas – donate to Toys for Tots

OCEANA COUNTY — The U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is once again collecting new, unwrapped toys for less fortunate children in the community.

Drop-off locations are at many Oceana County businesses.

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters to assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens, states a Toys for Tots press release. “The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

“The principal Toys for Tots activity which takes place each year is the collection and distribution of toys in the communities in which a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located. In communities without a Reserve Unit, the campaign can be conducted by a Marine Corps League Detachment or group of men and women, generally veteran Marines, authorized by Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to conduct a local Toys for Tots campaign. Local Toys for Tots Campaign coordinators conduct an array of activities throughout the year.”

To get involved locally, contact Jim or Sheila Carlson at 231-873-5039. Volunteers are needed for registration, set up and distribution. Donations (checks) to buy toys for children aged 18 years and younger can be made out to: Toys for Tots c/o Jim Carlson, 4093 N. Oceana Dr., Hart, Michigan 49420.

To Register for Toys for Tots, bring birth certificates of children, proof of income and proof of Oceana County year-round residency, such as, rent receipts, property tax receipts and utility bills. Register at the Pentwater VFW, 8448 N. US-31. Dates: Wednesday, Dec. 3, 4-7 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 4, 4-7 p.m.;Friday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 10, 4-7 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 11, 4-7 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Distribution will be Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 17 and 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment at Pentwater VFW.

Donate $10 or more to receive a Toys for Tots Warrior Coin. For donation checks more than $250, you’ll receive a letter from the Toys for Tots Foundation for tax purposes.

For more info, visit toys for tots.