Centre County Toys for Tots’ 35th season of giving is underway. Here’s how to help
The 35th year of Toys for Tots in Centre County is officially underway, with a kick-off breakfast held Wednesday at the Ramada Inn.
Now the work of collecting and distributing thousands of toys to children in need begins, campaign coordinator Gene Weller told a group of about 100 supporters.
WTAJ meteorologist Joe Murgo is this year’s honorary chair.
Last year, more than 18,500 toys were distributed in the county, with 8,319 children supported. Dozens of drop-off sites are located at restaurants, shops, municipal offices and other areas, with a full list of sites available on Toys for Tots’ website. Monetary donations are also accepted online.
Volunteers are also needed in December following the collection of toys, but as was the case last year, the process will be a bit different. Instead of wrapping toys at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, volunteers will sort items by age and gender and fill bags with four items per child.
Those interested in volunteering in sessions of Dec. 12-14 should contact lemont.pa@toysfortoys.org. Pre-registration is required and volunteers must wear masks.
Wednesday’s kick-off breakfast also included a food pantry challenge — with people asked to give donations of food or personal hygiene items along with a gift for a child in need. The donations will be spread across Centre County’s seven food pantries, which also coordinate requests from families for toys.
“The food pantries are being asked to help more and more families each day, and the food donations just aren’t keeping up,” volunteer Donna Weller said.
For more information on Toys for Tots, visit lemont-pa.toysfortots.org. Those interested in requesting toys should contact their local food pantry.
