The Marine Corps is asking for the public to continue donating to Toys for Tots this weekend in response to a shortage of toys following a recent harsh weather storm.
The weather forced Marines to cancel their events last weekend.
Staff Sergeant William Hall said they will begin to hand out toys on Thursday, but are still accepting donations through Saturday at their distribution warehouse.
“The number of toys we collected so far is roughly around 22,000 toys. We are hoping to collect another 10,000 or so,” said Hall.
He also encouraged people to bring toys for older children, ages 13 to 16.
“Most people thinking when they want to donate toys they get it for younger children,” he said. “However, we do distribute toys to ages 13 to 16, so we do struggle every year with teenage toys.”
Taylor Rudd, with Back to Our Roots, said the organization will host a dance over the weekend to help collect last-minute donations.
He said the only cost to attend is a toy.
“It’s important kids get a gift for Christmas,” he said. “I think its important. I would not like to go through Christmas and not get a gift. That would make me very sad.”
The Marine Corps are taking donations at their distribution warehouse at East 40th Street and Locust Avenue.
The Back to Our Roots event is Friday from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Eva Hotel. There will be dancing, food, and musical guests. You can find out more through his Facebook page, Taylor Rudd.
