USMC Reserve Toys For Tots 2008 campaign kicks off in Ascension
"Our goal is to fill it with toys through the help and support of our local community," Joseph said._ Last year, Joseph said, the program doubled its numbers by helping to provide and distribute toys to more than 3,000 children and more than 1,100 families.
"This year, we are looking forward to exceeding that number," Joseph said.
Joseph, a retired gunnery sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, said he is especially fond of this program because he knows firsthand the difference this program has made in the lives of so many children.
"The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program is dedicated to helping provide toys to needy children," Joseph said. "The ultimate success depends on the support of the local community and the generosity of the people who donate toys, money, and/or time. All toys collected for the Toys for Tots campaign remain here in Ascension Parish."
All local businesses in the parish will be sent information regarding the campaign. Members of the community can drop off new, unwrapped toys in collection boxes positioned at local businesses.
Additional toy drop-off locations include the following:
• Dependable Storage-16068 Airline Hwy., Prairieville, across from the Post Office
• GSA Inc - 1022 Purpera Rd., Gonzales.
• Donaldsonville Fire Department - 700 Lafourche St., Donaldsonville
• Ascension Parish Welcome Center - 6967 Hwy 22, Sorrento
Drop-off times are Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Coordinators will pick up the toys and store them in the central warehouse, where the toys will be sorted by age and gender.
Coordinators, with the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups, and other local community agencies, will distribute the toys to the needy children of the community at Christmas. Toy distribution will take place Dec.17-22.
According to Joseph, there are several ways the public can assist in the campaign, which include:
• Making a corporate tax-deductible contribution for the purchase of toys.
• Permitting the Marine Corps Reserve to use an organization/place of business as a collection point for toys.
• Encourage employees to donate toys at Christmas parties
• Volunteering time to assist with toy pickups and deliveries.
All non-profit organizations willing to submit applications for toy distribution must turn in a completed application by Dec. 10. Businesses and individuals seeking to get involved in this year's Toys for Tots campaign can contact Joseph at 348-0254 or 473-9637 or fax 473-1900. Applications and/or information requests can also be mailed to P.O. Box 1065 Donaldsonville, LA 70347.
More information about the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program can be obtained by emailing APC-T4T@cox.net or visitng www.ToysForTots.org.
The U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program is a 501-C3 non-profit agency.