Toys for Tots needs everyone’s help to fulfill Christmas wishes.
The Adams/Hanover chapter is short of gifts for newborns to 2 years old and children 10 to 14 years old, coordinator Chris Bunty said. Bunty said Toys for Tots supports 760 families directly and 12 organizations.
“Last we served about 600 families, so we are seeing a 15-20 percent increase from last year,” he said.
That amount is expected to increase as the Dec. 4 deadline to register for the program nears.
Bunty said “anything that makes noise,” is an excellent gift for the younger bracket while the older children appreciate items such as basketballs, soccer balls, curling irons, hair dryers, and makeup. Gifts designed for autistic children are also in need, he said.
Toys can be dropped off at Toys for Tots headquarters, located at the Gettysburg Times Office, 1570 Fairfield Road, or one of the dozens of dropboxes located throughout the area.
Those who do not have time or the ability to shop can donate money online and Bunty and his elves will go shopping. A complete list of dropbox locations and a donation link are available at https://gettysburg.toysfortots.org. Families in need of toys can register for the program through the website, Bunty said. Toys will be distributed on Dec. 17.
Featured image caption: Volunteers sort toys Thursday night at Toys for Tots headquarters, located inside the Gettysburg Times building on Fairfield Road. (Photo by Alex J. Hayes)
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.