This holiday season, our Allstate office in Liberty is collecting toys for the Marine Toys for Tots Program, and I want to share a few ways to make your donation go further than you might expect.
Last year, Toys for Tots reported that about 60,000 children across the Kansas City area needed help at Christmas, the highest demand the local campaign had ever recorded, and donations fell short of that need. Those children include families right here in Liberty and Kearney. A little planning helps close that gap.
In my work, I spend most days talking with families about protecting what matters most. I have also seen how one hard year, a lost job or an unexpected expense, can leave parents choosing between paying a bill and putting something under the tree. Toys for Tots takes one worry off their list.
Here is how to give well:
Shop for the youngest. Toys for 6 and 7 year olds are fun to pick out, so they tend to pile up. Last year, the local campaign named infant and toddler toys, ages 0 to 3, as its top priority.
Do not forget teenagers. Toys for Tots serves children through age 17, and older kids are easy to overlook. Sports equipment, board games, backpacks, handheld games and bath or grooming sets were all on last year’s most needed list.
Keep it new and unwrapped. Volunteers need to see each gift so they can match it to the right child and confirm it is safe and age appropriate.
Think safety for little ones. For babies and toddlers, skip toys with small parts or button batteries and choose sturdy, simple items.
Give online if shopping is not an option.To learn more ways to fill in the gaps in sizes and ages, please visit toysfortots.org.
Bring new, unwrapped toys to our office at 550 Rush Creek Pkwy, Suite B, in Liberty, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., from November 9 to December 14. Questions? Call us at 816-781-7331. Our team would love to see you, and the kids in our community will be glad you came.
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