Toys for Tots grows in South Georgia

Published 11:16 pm Friday, November 28, 2008

VALDOSTA — The Christmas Toys for Tots drive continues growing in South Georgia.

This year, the regional drive has grown from six counties, Lowndes, Berrien, Echols, Lanier, Cook and Brooks, to eight counties with the addition of Atkins and Clinch, said John Gates, regional Toys for Tots organizer.

Last year, the regional Toys for Tots made Christmas brighter for hundreds of children, but increasingly tough times means more work for the organization. To have enough toys for every child this year, Gates said, Toys for Tots will likely move from giving each youngster three toys to one a piece.

“Lord, yes. We have twice as many needing toys and less than usual in donations,” Gates said, noting that some people who have given in the past are in need of Toys for Tots this year.

The local Toys for Tots gets its list of children in need from regional school systems and the state Department of Family and Children Services.

While toy and cash donations may be made at various sites throughout the region, several events are also scheduled to help Toys for Tots.

On Dec. 12, the band Raising Cane and the Gene Turner Band will perform a benefit at the VFW in Berrien County’s Nashville. Admission will be $5 and a toy, with the money benefiting Toys for Tots.

Cub Scout Pack 454 will collect toys for Toys for Tots along the route of the Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade on Dec. 6.

Next fall, Toys for Tots holds its second four-night Bahamas cruise through Executive Travel. Toys for Tots receives $100 for each booked cabin of the cruise, Gates said.

The Marine Corps founded Toys for Tots in 1947 when a group of Marine Reservists collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children in Los Angeles, and the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation has grown ever since.



Monetary donations may be made for the local Toys for Tots by making checks to Toys for Tots, and sending to 4124 Conway Circle, Valdosta, Ga. 31605.