TOYS FOR TOTS

By Trishna Buch
In a previous article I told you all about a program
that provides the county’s older residents with companionship,
excitement and support during the holiday
season. Now, it’s time to focus on our county’s younger
residents; to show them that we see them, we care
about them, and we want to make this a Christmas for
the history books—at least, in their minds.
The best way to do this is via the Toys For Tots
Program, which is being put together by the U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve. According to the program’s
website, its mission is to provide new, unwrapped,
toys for children in need during the Christmas season.
Throughout the months of October, November and
December, different locations all over the Galveston
County area will collect donations of toys, which will
then be distributed to the children on Christmas Day.
“ The objectives of Toys For Tots are to help needy
children throughout the United State experience the
joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development
of one of our nation’s most valuable natural
resources—our 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 better communities
in the future.”
The way Toys For Tots will contribute to better
communities in the future, is based on the belief
that—when provided with these gifts—not only will
the children feel appreciated, but it may lead them to
want to do the same in the future, and give back to
others. The goal of the program is to send “a message
of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will
assist them in becoming responsible, productive,
patriotic, citizens.”
Now if you are wondering how you can participate,
you’ve come to the right place! Throughout
Galveston County there are several locations you
can go to drop off toys, including Galveston County
Adult Probation, 2516 Texas Avenue in Texas City and
Sienna Sun Spa, 2900 Nasa Parkway in Seabrook.
Other locations can be found on the website https://
galveston-tx.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/
lco-sites/default.aspx. On the website you can find
more information about the program, as well as information
on where to drop off toys, requesting toys and
donating to the Toys For Tots Foundation.
The Toys For Tots program is guaranteed to put a smile
on these young faces. Donating these toys to children,
not only will make them smile, but it will give you a feeling
of happiness and satisfaction when you think about
the fact that your actions resulted in a great Christmas for
a child out in the county. There’s no better feeling than
the feeling you get when you do good for someone else.
Take advantage of this season, buy a toy and give it to
someone in need.