Things are looking up for the local Toys for Tots program, which helps provide toys for needy families in Fayette and Coweta counties.
The end result is that if collections went as expected this past weekend, not only will the program meet the needs of some 5,000 children, but they will also be able to help at least some of the families on a waiting list as well, organizer Jeff White said Friday afternoon.
“We had a great week last week and it’s really been a strong week this week,” White said. “I mean, the people give. I went to the mailbox this morning and there was one thousand dollars worth of checks in it. And somebody dropped off another check at the fire department.”
This weekend the Marine Corps effort were again staging at all three Walmarts in Fayette and Coweta counties and at other locations including Big Lots. But there were a host of collection points elsewhere, and it turns out that patrons of Publix have been helping out at a tremendous rate as well.
White Friday afternoon was heading to do a pickup at the Tyrone Publix which had seven shopping carts full of toy donations.
“We had just cleared them out two days before,” White noted.
Even as toy collections are continuing this weekend, the distribution process is already underway. Organizations whose patrons will benefit from the toys must volunteer several hours in the warehouse, and when they leave they are able to pick out toys for their children, White said.
The folks from Fayette County Head Start left with several thousands of dollars worth of toys, and they sent back a photograph with smiling kids happy to have a Christmas.
That’s the best part of the whole effort, White said: knowing that it’s making a difference. But he is anxious to thank so many for helping, from the local fire departments to area schools, and so many individuals who have pitched in to help answer the call for help.
“I can’t thank these people enough for what they do,” White said.
Last year the effort helped some 4,000 children, but this year the need rose to 5,000 and organizers halted registration early to make sure those initial children could be helped, White said.
If all goes as planned, at least some of those on the waiting list will be helped too.
