Toys for Tots collecting items for children in Logan County now through December 12th

[December 01, 2020]   According to Jay and Donna Gaydosh, the local coordinators for the Marines Toys for Tots program in Logan County, there is a rumor going about that there will be no Toys for Tots this year due to the coronavirus.

The Gaydosh’s say that the rumor is incorrect. Toys for Tots is underway now and this year the need for gifts for local children is larger than ever before.

As of Sunday morning, there were 464 children from a total of 160 families signed up to receive gifts through the annual distribution program.

The Gaydosh’s are asking everyone to consider making a donation this year to help relieve some of the stresses of Christmas on local families.

All toys should be placed into the large Toys for Tots collection bins scattered around the county. Toys should be new, unwrapped in original packaging.
 

With so many children to serve, the need for toys this year is great. Gaydosh said there are a number of the large Toys for Tots boxes around the community. A few of the locations include Ace Hardware, Big R, CCAonline, Culver’s Family Restaurant, Indigo Ink Quilt Shop, all in Lincoln; and the Country Aire Restaurant in Atlanta. Boxes are also located in a number of other locations in Atlanta, Mount Pulaski and Lincoln. Look for the large box with Toys for Tots train logo printed on the outside.

For those who would prefer to donate cash, there are options available.

Coin boxes are located in several area businesses including Casey’s on Woodlawn Road and Wendy’s in Lincoln.

An additional option is online donation. To do so, go to https://lincoln-il.toysfortots.org/ and click on the “Donate Local” button.

Those who are in need this year may also apply for toys on the same website page by clicking on the “Apply for Toys” button.

Gaydosh said that toys are collected for boys and girls up to the age of 13. The greatest demand is for toys for both genders between the ages of six and 13.

To assure that the toys are safe for the children to receive, there are some special steps taken. Donna Gaydosh said that the large collection boxes will be retrieved from their locations on Saturday, December 12th. The toys will sit in isolation for seven days.

Distribution of the toys will be on December 19th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parents are notified of the distribution location, will be given a number at the door and asked to return to their vehicle until their number is called. When the number is called, one person will be permitted to come into the distribution center.

Hand sanitizer will be provided and there will also be masks and gloves available for the parent.

This is a time for coming together and remembering that none of us are responsible for the tough times we are going through, but especially our children. More families than ever before are struggling financially this year. They need our support and Toys for Tots is an excellent way to give that support from a safe distance. Please consider buying at least one extra gift this year, and dropping it in a local collection box.

The Marines will thank you, the Gaydosh’s will thank you and most of all the parents and children thank you.

[Nila Smith]