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Toys For Tots Anticipates Record Need

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By NATALIE SHEPHERD

nshepherd@wfla.com

Published: November 7, 2008

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program kicked off its 61st annual toy drive this morning, anticipating record need from local families.

"I think this holiday season it's going to be ever more important to give a little bit more if you can," says Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, who has been involved with Toys for Tots for six years.

The local Toys for Tots program gives Christmas presents to needy children in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties. Last year, the program helped more than 40,000 children celebrate the holiday. This year, Toys for Tots coordinator Staff Sgt. Walter Sambola expects that number to increase by a third. Sambola worries the ailing economy will mean fewer people are able to donate toys, but he's asking that anyone who can donate do so.

"I would say, remember back when they were a child and look at what they got for Christmas and understand that they can give that gift to another child who's out there in need," he says.

So far, at least 4,000 children are signed up to receive a Christmas gift through the Toys for Tots program.

There are several Bay area locations where families can sign up or find out if they qualify for Toys for Tots assistance. Family Resource Centers in Plant City, Ruskin, Town 'N Country, Brandon, Central Tampa and North Tampa take applications. The University Area Community Development Center and the Beth El Center in Wimauma are also sign-up locations.

Sambola stresses the importance of community volunteers. This year, Wal-Mart is donating warehouse space to store donated toys. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will help sort the toys before Christmas, and both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buccaneers will be collecting toys at games this year.

"It's a community effort, it's not just the Marines," Sambola said.

You can donate a toy to the Toys for Tots program by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at a number of donation sites, including all Publix grocery stores.

Natalie Shepherd can be reached at (813) 225-2703.

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