TRC operates another successful Toys for Tots drive

Volunteers bag toys to give to families that will be assisted by Toys for Tots.

The Resource Center's Toys for Tots drive enjoyed another successful year, assisting some 2,250 children from about 800 families.

TRC has coordinated the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County for 11 years.  This year, collection barrels were placed at more than 100 locations so area residents could donate toys.

Barrels were collected Friday, December 16, and taken to "Toy Central" on Pine Street in Jamestown.  Toys were sorted the following day, and then on Sunday morning, December 18, volunteers bagged up toys for individual families.  That afternoon, and the following Monday and Tuesday, toys were given to families.

During those final four days, more than 125 volunteers helped gets toys ready for families.  About 25 of the volunteers were TRC employees, and about 10 were service recipients.  The remainder were representatives from other organizations, plus family members and friends.

"There were so many smiles, thank-yous, tears, and hugs as the many volunteers handed out bags of toys to families," said Heather Brown, Director of Individualized Services, one of the Toys for Tots Coordinators.

While TRC coordinates the toy drive, it is the generosity of the entire community that makes the initiative a success year after year.  In addition to the collection boxes at various locations, a number of area businesses and organizations collected toys at their holiday parties.

"It was a great year," Heather said.  "Donations were wonderful, and all of the volunteers worked so hard to make this Christmas so special for so many children in our community!  We certainly couldn’t do it without everyone’s support and dedication."

Click here to watch a video of one family that is grateful for support from Toys for Tots.

Click here for a list of businesses that supported the Toys for Tots drive.