Local organization distributes toys to tots

KEWEENAW — While you are out shopping this holiday season, one organization is asking that you to think of those children who may not be getting presents this year without your help.

A child’s Christmas list can be harder for Santa to fill for families who could use a little help this year. The Keweenaw Detachment #1016 of the Marine Corps League is currently holding their 16th annual Toys for Tots campaign in the Copper Country.

Just last year, they distributed over 4,000 toys to more than a 1,000 children.

Local Toys for Tots Coordinator Jim Mattson said, “Our toys come from a number of sources. Individuals can make donations into our donation boxes, which are located throughout the community—the big stores, of course, like WalMart and Shopko, along with a lot of smaller stores who step forward to support the Toys for Tots program.”

The toys need to be sorted out so the public is asked to make their donations by the 12th of December.

Parents who have signed up through the Department of Human Services will be able to pick up the presents the week before Christmas.

That’s the day when the spirit of giving can really be felt and the joy it brings to the families.

Mattson said, “We see a lot of very, very appreciative parents for the assistance that they’re getting because, quite honestly, a lot of these folks wouldn’t know where their children’s Christmas is coming from if it wasn’t for this program and others like it.”