Toys for Tots granting Christmas wishes in Centre, Mifflin County

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – Centre and Mifflin County Marine Toys for Tots kicked off their holiday season of giving with a breakfast at the Ramada in State College.

This year is the 77th anniversary of Marine Toys for Tots. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit public charity and is the fundraising, funding, and support organization for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.

The Foundation was created by the U. S. Marine Corps and has supported Toys for Tots since 1991.

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The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children all over the nation. The organization has been able to provide many families with a happy holiday since its start.

"677 million toys, books, and other gifts to 301 million economically disadvantaged children," Centre County Toys for Tots Coordinator Gene Weller said.

The message during the kickoff breakfast was to ensure every child has a gift to open during the holidays.

"Success in the past that will continue this Christmas is dependent on all of you," Jack Infield, the President of Centre First Bank 7 Honorary Chair said.

In Centre County alone in 2023, Toys for Tots distributed over 18,000 toys to over 9,000 children. Even in a thriving community, some families can't afford the gifts which leaves many Christmas trees empty on the big day.

"People believe we have a fluent community with the university dominants and do not realize the economic challenges many families face. Without what you do, many children would go through Christmas without a visit from Santa. And all children deserve to have that special feeling of joy and excitement, w get to provide the Christmas," Infield said.

At donation centers in Centre County, families are given a black bag that has toys, a book, and a stuffed animal for the kids. The may be small items, buy they can still bring so much joy to kids.

"Whatever the situation is, you have kids in your life who are looking forward to gifts under the tree. This year, and you don't have the means to get them. The four gifts, the one book, one stuffed animal, and one stocking stuffer are the only things that they'll find under the tree this year," Youth Pastor at Park Forest Baptist Church Jon Atkinson said.

Volunteers will be placing the items in a 13-gallon bag identified by the age and gender of the child. There will be a limit of 75 volunteers per session so pre-registration will be required.

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! . More information on the schedule and preregistration can be found at the Marine Toys for Tots website. You can also follow the link here to donate, request a toy, or donate a toy.