The 11th annual Marine Toys for Tots campaign officially kicked off in DeKalb County on Monday, October 2, when toy drives begin and the DHR starts accepting applications from families who need help with Christmas toys for their children.
“We need help from the public in the form of toys and funds,” said Coordinator LaRue Hardinger. “Last year, we served 1,476 local children in need at Christmas.”
Due to economic conditions, fundraising has been less productive this year; and Marines expect more families will need help.
How To Give – A schedule of 2023 public setups of Toys for Tots in DeKalb County is on the website www.fortpayne-al.toysfortots.org. Donations of new toys and monetary gifts are welcomed at these events. Tax-deductible checks made out to “Marine Toys for Tots” can be mailed to: Marine Toys for Tots, c/o Coordinator Hardinger, PO Box 681516, Fort Payne, AL 35968.
Donors are asked to give new toys in original packaging. Marine Toys for Tots does not hand out toys that look like real weapons or anything edible. Hardinger invites shoppers to donate gifts for children ages newborn – 18. “Keep in mind that we need gifts for teenagers,” she added. “We serve older children if they are living in the home and attending school. Donated toys and money stay in DeKalb County.”
The local TFT website has a secure online donation option, contact information, and a list of most-needed toys, in addition to dates of upcoming fundraisers & toy drives.
How Groups Help – Businesses, clubs, churches, and schools may host toy collection boxes, or plan their own in-house fundraisers and toy drives. They may request a toy drop box and promo materials on the website.
“We don’t call peoples’ homes, asking for donations,” Hardinger said, “and we do not canvas door-to-door or mass-mail letters. We do set up at stores or festivals; and we do place toy drop boxes and coin boxes in public venues that request them.”
Another way to help? – Donate needed items, such as toy batteries, printing paper, ink cartridges (Hewlett Packard 61 XL), standard staples, black Sharpie markers, heavy-duty contractor bags (for bagging toys), and food or gasoline vouchers for volunteers as they work long hours.
“Our Toys for Tots volunteers aren’t paid a dime,” Hardinger noted. “These folks give of their own gas, time, food and effort.”
Donate or Volunteer Soon – Toy bagging begins November 8, so donating early is best. Toy drop boxes will be retrieved on or about Saturday, December 9. Toy distribution takes place the following week.
How Families Apply for Toys – Families apply for Toys for Tots help at the DeKalb County Department of Human Resources (DHR) Food Assistance Office, Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, October 2 – 31. The address: 2301 Briarwood Ave. S, Fort Payne, AL, 35967. Items to take with you to apply for assistance: Photo ID, proof of DeKalb County residence, proof the children they are claiming are theirs (or that they have legal custody or guardianship), and give reason for need.
“We ask that all Fort Payne City Schools, DeKalb County Schools, Head Starts, churches, and media remind parents to apply for Christmas help during October at the DHR,” Hardinger said.
“No applications are accepted later, unless there are last minute emergencies, such as a house fire or other catastrophe.”
No Child Left Behind – “Our past ten campaigns were a success because our Marines and the community joined forces,” Hardinger stated. “Together, we were able to help over four hundred families last Christmas. Our goal is the same this year. It’s reassuring to know there are good people in this county who can’t stand the thought of a child waking up on Christmas morning, with no present beneath the tree. That is why our volunteers work so hard during the weeks leading up to Christmas — we want no child to feel they are forgotten, or to lose hope – to feel that Christmas has passed them by.”
Upcoming Toys for Tots events:
- Saturday, October 7 – Dogtown Roadblock
- Friday and Saturday, November 3-4 – Fort Payne Walmart
- Friday and Saturday, November 17-18 – Fort Payne and Rainsville Bruce’s Foodland
• Friday and Saturday, December 1-2 – Fort Payne Walmart and Big Lots
Toys needed most: Barbie and Ken dolls, Fortnite Toys, Minecraft toys, Duplos and Legos, Fisher-Price Little People sets, Hot Wheel track sets, Mickie and Minnie toys, Melissa and Doug toys, Dollhouses, Baby Alive dolls, My Life Dolls, Batman toys, Spiderman toys, Dinosaur toys, Military sets, Remote Control vehicles, Bikes – larger than 20 inches, Skates for all ages, Riding helmets for all ages, Soccer Balls, Footballs, 3-wheel scooters, Teen tablets, Bluetooth speakers/headphones, iPhone charging cords, Stuffed Animals, Sleeping Bags, Nice art sets, Makeup for little girls/tweens/teens, Jewelry for bous and girls, Clothing for Barbie and Kind dolls, Clothing for My Life dolls, and Baby diapers/wipes/blankets.