Toys for Tots hopeful about collection season
In 2008, the Atlanta branches of Toys for Tots broke a national record, distributing more than 710,000 presents to kids.
Last year, the recession reared its reality head and that number dipped to 584,000 – still second in the country in terms of toys given and children served, according to Master Sgt. Edward Barrett of the United States Marine Corps and coordinator for the Atlanta campaign.
This year, Barrett and Chief Warrant Officer Anthony Wilson, who coordinates the north Atlanta campaign, are aiming high – they’re hopeful that 900,000 toys will be paired with children this season.
As of Thursday, there were 456 drop-off locations, fewer than at a similar point last year, Barrett said. In 2009, 853 businesses raised toys.
Organizations can contact Toys for Tots until Dec. 1 to receive the promotional and collection materials; the collection deadline is Dec. 21.
“It’s been challenging,” Barrett said. “We try to get more involvement each year, but a lot is dependent on the individual organizations themselves. We don’t solicit. We don’t cold call. It’s the businesses coming to us.”
Peachstate Insurance is one of the businesses attempting to help reach the goal. With 25 offices throughout the state, the company is doubling its efforts to aid the toy campaign.
Last year, its first contributing to the toy drive, Peachtree offices bundled 17 boxes of toys and raised $1,100, said Peachtree representative Bob Flor.
This season, the offices are equipped with 30 boxes and the cash goal has been increased to $2,000.
Flor is inciting his troops to intensify their participation by offering office competitions – each agent in the winning store will receive $50 from Peachtree. The company also will unveil a YouTube video this week with children who are past recipients of toys from the annual drive.
“We’re a close-knit group and get to know our customers very well – and they are very generous,” Flor said. “Last year a lady came in and we asked if she would like to contribute to the drive and she said, ‘I struggle to know if I can have a Christmas for my family every year,’ but then without hesitation, pulled out $10 and said, ‘but I can’t resist kids.’”
About the Author
Melissa Ruggieri has covered music and entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 2010 and created the Atlanta Music Scene blog. She's kept vampire hours for more than two decades and remembers when MTV was awesome.
