Toys for Tots has more kids in need than toys

Many Madera children hoping for a Christmas present this year may go without, unless the public can help the local Toys for Tots chapter fill their toy donation bins.

Toys for Tots chapter organizer Gloria Brown said they had collected less than half of the toys necessary to fill the current requests from Madera families in need.

“The need is always large here.” Brown said. “We’ve recently seen an increase in families relocating to Madera, some even from the fires, floods and hurricanes. About 5,000 children have registered with us, and we have less than half of what we need so far.” she said.

Brown said residents could help by picking up an additional toy during their Christmas shopping while at Walmart.

“Anything that people can provide is greatly appreciated. It doesn’t have to be expensive — just something that will bring joy to a child.” Brown said.

Toys for Tots is a national nonprofit organization operated by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that collects unwrapped toys and redistributes them to children in need.

The Toys For Tots volunteers will be collecting new, unwrapped toys of all kinds for boys and girls, from infants up to 18 years old at the donation bins in front of Walmart at 1977 West Cleveland Ave. the next two weekends, from 10 am to 4 pm.

Toy distribution will take place on Dec. 16.