Toys for Tots kicks off the season at American Legion Post 28

The American Legion Post 28 in Oak Orchard held the kickoff to the 2024 Toys for Tots season Oct. 12. The mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is to assist the U.S. Marine Corps in providing a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children during Christmas.

The objectives of the foundation are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of the nation’s most valuable resources – children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to improving communities in the future.

Bob Keesler, one of the two people who handle the Nassau Chapter of Toys for Tots, said that last year they delivered 9,717 toys to 2,723 children. They are expecting even more this year, with a heavy need for toys for two groups, infants to 2 years old and 6 to 12 years old.

“We need toys, and we have a definite need volunteers, especially from Thanksgiving to Christmas,” he said.

For more information, to request toys, to donate or to volunteer, go to https://nassau-de.toysfortots.org.