COVID-19 causing changes to MCLB Toys for Tots program

ALBANY, Ga. – Due to COVID-19 concerns there are going to be a lot of changes to the Toys for Tots program. For example, there’s no large gatherings so no events or parades to help encourage toy donation so the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB)  in Albany is desperate for donors.

“We’ve come to a challenging time, due to the COVID-19, we have a lot more families in need in our current area and we’re asking for all the local organizations to become involved,” says Staff Sgt. Tara Ballard.

Toys for Tots is the largest Department of Defense outreach program and serves as an avenue for the Marine Corps’ charity organizations and the local community to provide toys for underprivileged children.

With so many people financially impacted by COVID-19, the MCLB in Albany expects more people to register for toys than ever before.

“It’s a very struggling time right now we have a lot more families that are registering so any help and support we can get in this year’s campaign is greatly appreciated.”

Last year the effort collected 50,000 toys and raised $10,000 dollars in the area. 6,800 children were gifted unwrapped toys.

However, last year, Toys for Tots bins were placed in businesses all around the community, encouraging people to donate, because of COVID-19 many businesses have opted out of having the bins.

To register to receive toys for your child up to 12 years of age, call The Salvation Army at 229-435-1428.

If you’d like to donate money, time or toys head over to this Facebook page.