Van, trucks filled with Toys for Tots Saturday

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

It was cold, wet and windy; but they still loaded more than a van full of toys.

About seven volunteers with Detachment No. 859 of the North Iowa Marine Corps League moved the reception area inside the Theisen’s entrance Saturday, due to the difficult weather, but they were able collect some toys for needy kids.

People were urged to stop by to donate toys to help fill up two trucks, on loan from Mike Molstead Motors, for the Toys for Tots campaign. Theisen’s also donated toys for the drive, and Theisen’s shopping coupons were awarded to Toys for Tots donors.

“We’ve had very generous customers here. We’ve got a van full of toys and we’re very happy with that,” said Toys for Tots volunteer Jan Stern, who added that Toys for Tots has been operating in Charles City for more than 25 years.

Toys for Tots collects both toys and cash donations to distribute to needy families throughout December. Last year almost 300 families signed up for toys in Floyd County.

Toys for Tots started in the late 1940s and is a non-profit organization run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. The drive helps hand out toys to families that are less fortunate and can’t afford to buy Christmas presents for their children. More than half a billion toys have been distributed since the group’s inception.

Toys for Tots has collection boxes for new, unwrapped toys in businesses throughout the area, including at the Charles City Press.

“Keep giving, they really enjoy it,” said volunteer Ken Miller. “There are families who really need it. Every kid deserves a toy, and shouldn’t go without one.”

Stern said the Toys for Tots distribution will be Dec. 18-20 at the Mason City Salvation Army to people who have signed up from Floyd, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Franklin, Hancock, Winnebago, Worth and Wright counties.

“They’re allowing us to use their gymnasium,” Stern said. “Many needy families have already registered.”

Stern said to contact the Salvation Army to register, or for more information. There is also a late registration day on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Call 641-420-5195 for more information.