The local 2020 Toys for Tots campaign, conducted by Marine Corps League Detachment 1438 of Blue Ridge, has officially reached its midpoint.
So far, league members have received 600 toy requests for over 1,400 children in the area, and they expect this number to continue to grow. They expect to reach a new record in both requests and children served.
“It is a very challenging year for us,” Toys for Tots Coordinator Cheryl Jordan said. “We were not able to have our two largest fundraisers due to COVID-19 restrictions, and donations are down considerably. Therefore, we are having to be much more restricted in filling some of the requests. We just don’t have some of the items requested.”
The shortfalls seen by the league primarily affect both boy and girl teenagers, particularly if a bicycle is requested.
“If a 10-speed bike is requested for a late teen, we simply do not have it,” Assistant Coordinator Dale Greene said. “We may be able to do a bike, but it will not be a 10-speed. We try to do the best we can with what we have and make sure no one goes away empty handed.”
Donations are still being accepted, and those who wish to contribute can donate new, un-opended toys at one of the over 60 collection boxes spread throughout the county at almost every major restaurant and retailer.
More information regarding the campaign, drop-off location sites or donating online can be found at www.morgantown-ga.toysfortots.org. Jordan can be contacted at morganton.ga@toysfortots.org.