MADERA COUNTY — Here it is, another year for Eastern Madera County and Toys For Tots. Their 2019 campaign is in full swing with almost 100 donation boxes supported by local businesses, schools, and organizations, from Raymond to North Fork.
Look for the Toys For Tots banners on display. Last year, mountain communities came together to provide toys for over 1,100 needy children who, without your help, might not have had a Christmas.
All toys and monetary donations collected stay within the mountain communities.
They will hold three big events this year. The first one starts Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Oakhurst True Value from 8:00 a.m., to 4:00 p.m., where you can Double Your Donations. Bring a new, unwrapped toy and Bryant’s True Value will match that donation with another toy from their store — two toys donated!
The second and third of their annual toy roundups both happen on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Marines and volunteers will be on hand to accept new and unwrapped toys and donations at the Vons Shopping Center under the big tent and in the Coarsegold Historic Village under the little tent.
Hopefully, Father Christmas can join the party after the pancake breakfast.
Toys For Tots has been an official program of the United States Marine Corps, helping needy children since 1948, to receive toys for Christmas. Corporate sponsors help immensely, but it is the generosity of local communities coming together that makes Toys For Tots such a local success.
This year, with the loss or reduction of several corporate entities, they are especially in need of donations. Toys for girls and boys, age ten and up, are sorely needed to fill the gap.
Check out the many local merchants offering special discounts, savings, events, and opportunities to save you money and help our needy children at the same time. Community support is the key to the success of Toys For Tots. Help the Marines help the needy children of Eastern Madera County.
For any questions about the program or how to donate directly, please contact Dennis Osantowski, Eastern Madera County Coordinator for Toys For Tots, at 970-209-2099.
