Local Toys For Tots Gets Early Start

The local Toys For Tots campaign for this holiday season will be getting an early start this year. Toys for Tots coordinator Myrtle Kellar of Moapa said that due to the faltering economy and lack of jobs the organization is expecting a near 80% increase in the amount of families needing assistance this Christmas season.

“Last year we served around 659 families, and this year we are expecting to help 1000-1200,” said Kellar.

Starting on October 1, applications will be available at the Cappalappa Resource Center for families who need assistance. Families with children up to 13 years old qualify.

Moapa Valley residents can expect to see the collection bins popping up earlier in the season as well. Donations can be dropped off at boxes found in Lins at the front of the store near check out. Also there will be booths set up at The Annual Car Show on October 17 and at The Pomegranate Arts Festival on Nov. 6-7. There will be no door to door solicitation for donations. It is stressed that all donations dropped off at the collection boxes are to be new and unwrapped. This is merely a precaution taken so the right child gets the appropriate toy for there gender and age group, Kellar said.

Toys for Tots is a nation-wide program sponsored by the Marine Corps Reserves.