Toys for Tots still accepting donations for local children

Since 1947 United States Marines have been offering people the opportunity to donate toys or money to purchase toys for children in need.
Toys for Tots had humble beginnings in Los Angeles where a group of Marine Reservists lead by Major Bill Hendricks distributed 5,000 toys.
The charity gained footing over the years and has donated more than 453 million toys to more than 209 million needy children.
For many years Estill County citizens have taken part in donating to the cause and this year is no different.
Toy donation boxes can be found at various locations around Estill County and Ravenna Police Chief Ken White said the local donations helped serve 565 children last year.
White said all toys donated locally go to local children who are signed up to participate in the program.
Names for children to be considered for the charity are taken by phone calls to the RPD office or a parent or guardian signing the family up themselves.
The children’s names are checked with other local charities to ensure there are not duplicates and parents are asked to verify their number of children by showing birth certificates and providing a copy of a utility bill for their current address.
White said a number of local organizations and individuals help with the program by conducting road blocks, taking up donations and assisting with gathering and distributing the toys. Groups like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Twin City Kruzers and the Irvine-Ravenna Kiwanis Club have made it possible for the organization to grow continuously for the last decade.
White, who has been working with the charity for nearly 11 years, said he has witnessed this growth first-hand.
“Each year the program gets bigger,” he said. “Years ago when I started we had 211 names and we’ve had more and more names each year.”
Parents and guardians have until Dec. 15 to sign their children up to be considered for the program. Those wishing to donate to the charity have until the same date to make their contribution.
Toys for Tots accepts donations of new, unwrapped toys or monetary contributions. Checks can be made payable to the Toys for Tots Foundation and dropped off at the RPD from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays.
White said he’s glad to see the community getting so involved in helping the children. He also expressed the importance of helping others during the holiday season.
“I don’t want to sound sappy,” he said. “But when I was growing up, I didn’t have much. But, there’s at least one time of the year when we’re able to help put a smile on other kids faces.”
He said the smiling kids make the hard work that goes into the charity worth it all.
“Times are hard for everybody,” he said. “I think these gifts give the kids a little hope  that things will get better. That’s worth it to me.”