Toys For Tots campaign underway in Northern Michigan

The Marine Corps' Toys for Tots campaign is underway with the Cadillac Salvation Army putting out more than 30 boxes in businesses and organizations throughout Wexford and Missaukee counties.

Officer in Command, Lieutenant Greg Bock with the Salvation Army in Cadillac said they have been a partner with Toys for Tots for decades.

"We've been passing out Toys for Tots boxes. We have boxes in Cadillac, in Manton, in Lake City, in Missaukee. And we're always looking for new locations," said Bock.

He said they are looking for organizations or businesses that want to get involved.

"We probably put out around 35, 40 boxes last year. Some boxes do great. Some boxes, we got to pick them up and there's no toys in them. So that's what I say when we're looking for active businesses that want to be actively engaged, in the campaign effort to, to fill the boxes," said Bock.

Bock said strong partnerships is what makes the program successful.

"We gave over, I think, 10,000 toys away last year," said Bock.

One of those partners is Toy Town of Cadillac.

"It really it's an event that launches the Christmas season for us, and it really helps to get people kind of in the spirit of the season," said Toy Town co-owner, Thaddaeus Gommesen.

He said they also get into the spirit by offering a good deal on any toy bought for a donation at their store.

"If you just mentioned that you're buying Toys for Tots, we generally give you a 10% discount on everything you're buying for the boxes. Anything to help out," said Gommesen.

They usually fill up several boxes with donations by the time the campaign is over thanks to generous sponsors, donations from people, and money they raise from their annual Toy for Tots Trot 5K.

"People love to get involved. People come dressed up, people bring toys to the event to drop off. It's just such a great event that we want to keep continuing to do it," said Gommesen.

This year will be the event's 13th year. Set to take place November 16th.

"There's entry fee, which covers the t shirt and all the event costs, but also raise a little bit more money for the toys as well. Last year, after everything was said and done, we gave away almost, I think it was actually over $9,000 worth of toys," said Gommesen.