Begun several years prior by the Marine Corps League, but federally ‘recognized’ in 1947, the Marine Corp Reserve has collected and distributed toys for needy children for over seventy years through the United States. Here in Monroe, Livingston, Ontario and surrounding counties, Toys for Tots not only gives toys at holiday times, but also donates to local special needs, to area fire, police, and sheriff departments for needs for children, and the Golisano Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House for children and families residing there. Toys for Tots has been available, and collecting and distributing toys in our area for several years, and we are proud that over 97% of all donated dollars go to the mission of providing holiday gifts for needy children. We are also pleased that both nationally, and locally, not one dime of a financial donation goes to anyone’s salary.
For the past FIVE years, The Kade Project has assisted with the effort at our end of Southern Monroe and neighboring counties, making Toys for Tots one of our signature events . This year – 2017 – our volunteers plan to increase the area-giving even more so, and increase our distribution area; we are also partnering with the HF/M/L HomeTownHeroes Program for added – and needed – assistance. Collections for children and youth ages 2-16 began November 1st, and will continue through December 8th, with sorting December 10-11 and distribution December 12 & 13.
The distinctive Toys for Tots boxes are already located in a number of local businesses, waiting for YOU to fill them with NEW, unwrapped toys and gifts! Gift cards for older youth, and financial donations for gifts and cards are welcome as well (contact TKP regarding that). We are pleased that locally the Mendon Library, Honeoye Falls Market Place, Pinehurst Senior Living Center, Bodywork Kneaded, Tractor Supply, Rite Aid and ALL of the HF-L Schools in Honeoye Falls; The Mendon Pharmacy at the Mendon Meadows Marketplace, The Slusser Realty Team in Mendon, and The Cottage Hotel in Mendon have all readily agreed to be “drop off” points for toy collections.
There are several additional organizations, businesses and schools outside our immediate district that will be listed as drop-sites and/or volunteers shortly – boxes just have to be delivered to them; be watching for updates! And be on the lookout for ‘The Bear’! New this year, a very large, loving Toys for Tots Bear will ‘travel’ from site to site – and he may be changing his attire!
Please contact The KadeProject at (585) 358-1004, or via email at thekadeproject@gmail.com with any questions.
