Toys for Tots 2009 Christmas drive launched
Toys for Tots is giving Santa Claus a run for his money. The Marine Corps' annual drive has increased its goals for the Philadelphia region this year because the recession and high unemployment threaten to deprive many children of getting a gift over the holidays.
Toys for Tots is giving Santa Claus a run for his money.
The Marine Corps' annual drive has increased its goals for the Philadelphia region this year because the recession and high unemployment threaten to deprive many children of getting a gift over the holidays.
This year's goal is 150,000 toys, up from last year's original target of 60,000, announced Brian P. Tierney, chief executive officer of Philadelphia Media Holdings, at a news conference yesterday.
Hopes were boosted by the overwhelming public support of last year's drive.
By early December last year, donations were falling far short, when the company that produces The Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily News, and Philly.com stepped up to the plate.
"This was 10 days before Christmas, and there were thousands of children who weren't going to have a Christmas," Tierney said.
A "toy emergency" was declared, the word was spread with help of newspaper and online ads, and the public responded big-time.
The final tally: about 139,000 toys.
Even more are needed this year because of the troubled economy, said Tierney and Gunnery Sgt. David Pierson, speaking behind an array of footballs, plush toys, dolls, and games in the lobby of the Inquirer Building.
The collection, worth $5,000, was a new gift from the company, in addition to $4,500 in other donations.
The Inquirer Building, at Broad and Callowhill Streets, and the company's printing plant in Upper Merion Township are just two of dozens of locations throughout the area - including schools, museums, offices, and restaurants - where toys can be dropped off.
Lincoln Financial Field will be a major collection point Dec. 20, when the Eagles play the San Francisco 49ers.
To find a spot, go to www.toysfortotsphila.org . For locations, click on "Donate Toys," and be sure to click "Next" in the upper right to browse for additional listings.
Money can be donated through the Web site or by mailing a check payable to Toys for Tots of Philadelphia to 2838-98 Woodhaven Rd., Philadelphia 19154.