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ELKINS -- With Christmas just around the corner, Toys for Tots is ramping up its plans to make sure approximately 2,500 kids in 10 local counties have a Christmas they can remember this holiday season.
The foundation, which is part of the United State Marine Corps, is receiving assistance with this year’s program from the Phil Gainer Community Center, which will host the distribution. The center’s facility manager, Chris Lee, has taken the lead on the project.
“Toward the end of October, Major Lee Stuckey from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation contacted city officials to devise a game plan for toy collection and distribution this year,” said Lee. “When I first heard that they were looking for someone to fill the shoes of regional coordinator for this year, I reached out to city officials and let them know that if they were unable to find someone else to fill the role then I would be happy to do it.”
Lee said officials now have a local website up and running where the Toys for Tots application can be found online: elkins-wv.toysfortotsonline.org.
If someone doesn’t have internet access they can call the Phil Gainer Center at 304-591-1410 or the Randolph County Family Resource Network at 304-636-4454 for assistance.
Lee said that beginning around Nov. 18, collection bins will begin to pop up around the area at local retail stores, including WalMart, Big Lots, Dollar General and Walgreens.
“Anybody can play a vital role in this great program by simply donating a few toys at their convenience when they are going out shopping,” said Lee. “Donation boxes will be collected on Dec. 14 and the two-day distribution event will be Dec. 19 and 20.
“The distribution will be a drive-thru at the Phil Gainer Community Center. All volunteers will be masked and social distancing guidelines will be adhered to. On the days of distribution we will have specific time slots based on the last name of the primary contact for the toys.”
Another crucial part of the program is monetary donations, which were down to only $1,800 last year from the typical amount of around $5,000 that is usually donated.
“These local monetary donations are used to purchase toys that are distributed to local children,” Lee said. “Any local businesses or individuals looking to participate in this manner should contact me directly at the Phil Gainer Community Center.
Lee said the support and assistance from the community for Toys for Tots has been inspirational.
“There have been a variety of local organizations and agencies that have offered their assistance for this great cause,” he said. “There have also been a number of individuals who have offered their time as volunteers. The Elkins Police Department has really stepped up to the plate to oversee the distribution events and hand out toys. And there is also a group of veterans who are dropping off the distribution boxes, collecting toys and overall showing me the ropes. We truly live in a great community.”