Toys for Tots Campaign Starting

The annual Toys for Tots campaign is gearing up in Stephens and surrounding counties.

“Toys for Tots” is a program of the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve that collects and distributes toys to children and families in need each holiday season.

Don Alexander is the Toys for Tots Coordinator for Stephens, Habersham, Franklin, Hart, and Elbert counties.

He said they hope to help a lot of area families this year.

“Last year was almost 1,500 kids again and that is right about what our average is,” said Alexander.

According to Alexander, organizers and volunteers will still be out and about in the community collecting toys for the next couple of months.

He said people can donate new, unwrapped toys or money that will be used to buy toys.

Alexander went on to say that the goal is to provide more toys to each family the organization helps this year.

“Since 2008 when we started, we have been giving the children three toys a piece. This year, we want to do four,” said Alexander.

To help raise money and toys, numerous fundraisers and events are planned throughout the community over the coming weeks.

Alexander said one of those is this Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church in Toccoa, a Car, Truck, and Bike Show.

The hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church in Toccoa.

The registration fee is $20 with judging at 11 a.m. and awards at 2 p.m.

All proceeds benefit Toys for Tots locally and unwrapped gifts to put towards Toys for Tots are also appreciated.

As for families who may need assistance this holiday season, Alexander said the time is now to put in a request with Toys for Tots.

He said the number to call is 706-244-6570.