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Marine Corps Reserves kicks off Toys for Tots

Nearly 3,000 area children benefitted from the campaign last year
The annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign is underway in the Cape Region. RON MACARTHUR PHOTOS
Ron MacArthur
November 12, 2020

It may have been near 70 degrees, but volunteers were thinking Christmas as they hosted a kickoff for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots campaign Nov. 7 at Oak Orchard/Riverdale American Legion Post 28.

Just one hour into the event, more than 500 toys had been donated.

This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project is facing a few changes, said coordinator Bob Davis. The number of locations where collection boxes have been placed has been reduced from 163 in 2019 to 92 in 2020. “The main difference is that many banks and restaurants where we typically place boxes are not open,” he said.

In addition, the number of volunteers who are allowed at the Allen-Harim warehouse in Millsboro, where toys are collected and sorted, is limited to 10 or less. This year, volunteers will be assigned times and dates. “People just can’t show up like we’ve done in the past. The security guard will have a list of names of volunteers for specific times,” Davis said.

Entertainment was provided by the band Hope for Success, the Capital Ringers, singer Joy Schrek and singer Shotgun Willey. Tri-State Canine Response Team, County Cruisers classic cars, Delaware State Police, Indian River Volunteer Fire Department and Sussex County paramedics also took part in the kickoff. The GFWC Zwaanendael Women’s Club from Lewes sold items to raise money for the campaign

Last year, volunteers distributed 15,844 toys to 2,986 children in the Sussex County area.

The campaign runs through Wednesday, Dec. 16. Go to nassau-de.toysfortots.org to make a cash donation, volunteer or request a toy delivery. Toys can be mailed to Toys for Tots, 32446 West Baltimore Court, Millsboro, DE 19966.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volunteers greet those attending the kickoff event. Sales of masks, mystery gift bags and baked goods helped raise money for the campaign.
The first two acts performing at the Toys for Tots kickoff pose together so fans can take photos. In the middle is Shotgun Willey with members of the band Hope for Success (l-r) Alex Fitzkee, Drew Fitzkee, Jasper Isaacs and Elaina Marsch.
The Capital Ringers bring in the holiday season with their unique form of music. The group, with members from throughout the region, owns the largest collection of handbells and handchimes on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Candace Ruckle, a member of Indian River Volunteer Fire Department, gets up close and personal with two rescue dogs.
Tri-State Canine Response Team dogs and their handlers pose for a photograph with members of Delaware State Police.
Gary Maratta, kickoff event leader, serves as emcee as the local Toys for Tots campaign gets underway.
Drew Fitzkee, bass player for Hope for Success, gets into the music as the teenage band performs.
Toys for Tots collection boxes line the memorial walk at the American Legion Post 28 pavilion.
A Christmas theme is the order of the day at the kickoff event.
Members of the Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club are taking part in Flags for Heroes with a display in front of American Legion Post 28.

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