MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- It is that time of the year again as Marine reservists from Detachment 2, Supply Company, 4th Supply Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, accept donations for the Toys for Tots Program.
The annual program kicked off here, Oct. 21, with a press conference announcing registration methods, times, locations, and most importantly, how to give to local children who are in need of gifts this Christmas.
“Since 1947, Marines have collected toys and worked with numerous organizations to do so,” Gunnery Sgt. Kenneth R. Starkey, supply chief, Det. 2, said. “However, it is the local community that makes it successful each year.”
“For those of you (who) would like to donate a toy,
please make sure it is unwrapped and costs less than $15,” Starkey said. “Toys can be dropped off at any location that contains an official Toys for Tots box.”
The reserve detachment also works with the local Salvation Army, that exclusively handles registration.
For those individuals who wish to participate, registration begins now and runs through Nov. 4 at the Salvation Army in downtown Albany.
Registration is open only between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays.
To qualify for donations, certain documents are needed, to include picture identification, children’s birth certificates, current food stamp summaries (if enrolled), rent receipts and utility bills.
Individual who wish to qualify who lives with a relative or friend should also have that person provide a written letter stating the individual, and his or her child or children, lives there.
Toys for Tots is the largest outreach program in the Department of Defense.
The program began in 1947 when Maj. Bill Hendricks, a Marine reservist living in California, worked with other Marines to donate toys to children in the local area.
Individuals wanting to donate an unwrapped toy to the charity may do so at any participating site.
Drop-off sites will have collection bins with the Toys for Tots logo.
For more information on where to donate, visit the Web site http:// albanyga.toysfortots.org/localcoordinatorsites/lco-sites/default.asp or call (229) 639-8787.