Dec 01, 2021 3:29 AM

Toys For Tots Collecting Donations

Posted Dec 01, 2021 3:29 AM
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By Beacon Staff

The Toys For Tots donation boxes are back in area businesses for the season, and the need for toys will be greater than ever. The annual charity giveaway, organized annually by the Hamilton Walters Marine Corps League, will take place before Christmas, on Dec. 11. More than 10,000 new, unopened toys are given to hundreds of financially disadvantaged children in Des Moines County and Henderson County, Ill.

On Dec. 3 and 4, the annual Semi Of Love toy drive in the Westland Mall parking will attempt to drum-up enough donations to literally fill up a semi trailer of toys. 
Each child, no matter how many in a family, is allocated a certain number of toys designated into categories such as large, small, educational, etc.

Donating is easy as buying some toys and dropping by the trailer. Monetary donations will be accepted, and checks can be sent to Toys for Tots, 607 S. Main St., Danville, Iowa 52623.

Charity organizers give away more than 100 bikes a year, and many of those are purchased with donated funds shortly before the giveaway.

Bickel’s Cycling and Fitness has streamlined the process, allowing for cash donations in increments as low as $10. To donate to the bicycle fund, visit https://www.bickelsinc.com/events/semi-of-love-toys-for-tots-2021-pg546.htm?fbclid=IwAR29iSL3PWFBssCxEMXNeyZ6LijMKFWZLZOUwwml8jEZWdHzebT8NzEWvBk

Parents who want to sign up for the program can still get into the registration process. The only requirement to receive toys is a residence in Des Moines County or Henderson County, Ill. The toys are only for children, infant to 13 years old. 

Registrants do have to provide personal information, including a photo ID, a Social Security card or birth certificates for everyone in the household, and proof of residency, such as a printout of food stamps, a utility bill, water bill, etc.
Registration will be open at The Rock House at 2700 Division St., through Friday, Dec. 3.