2014 Toys for Tots Cortland County Campaign Now In Progress

Starting November 3, the Marine Corps League’s Toys for Tots program of Cortland County will starts its delivery of over 60 collection boxes to establishments around the county. Shoppers have until December 7– the day before the collection boxes are retrieved on December 8 – to contribute a new, unwrapped toy. Last year, Toys for Tots Cortland County distributed toys to over 1,700 children.

There is a new process this year for families receiving toys for children. Instead of scheduling one distribution day for the toys, recipients will be assigned an evening date between November 5 and December 10 to “shop” for toys for their children. “In this way, we empower the parents or guardians to select toys specifically for their child’s interest. In previous years, children received wrapped toys selected by our volunteer staff. While we’ll miss the gift wrapping nights, and the gift-wrapping volunteers, this process better serves the Marine Corps mission to provide joy to a child on Christmas day,” explains Cortland County organizer Norm Stitzel. To request a toy for a child, please visit www.toysfortots.org and complete a Local Toy Request Form by December 1.

The local campaign kicked of the season with a “Taters for Tots” event on Main Street in Cortland during the October 30 Halloween parade, selling baked potatoes and fixings to hungry parade spectators. The event raised $374 which was matched by a local donor to total $748.

Wendy’s of Cortland will be raising money for the campaign by donating 15% of all of its dining room and window sales to Toys for Tots Cortland County on Thursday, November 13 between 5:00pm and 8:00pm. No voucher or mention necessary at point of sale. Staff at Wendy’s headquarters in Cortland have already raised $200 by contributing $5 each for the privilege to wear jeans to work for a day.

Origami Owl Living Lockets will collect toys and donations at Ladies Night Out at Homer Exchange (19-27 N. Main Street in Homer) on November 18, 5:00 – 8:00pm.

The Cortland Area Flute Ensemble will collect toys and donations at its December 6, 7:00pm concert at the Christ Community Church in Cortland.

New, unwrapped toys and gifts appropriate for ages newborn to 18 years  will be collected now through December 8 at over 60 collections sites throughout the county. A running list of locations will be posted on the organization’s Facebook page: Toys for Tots Cortland County. Cash donations help Toys for Tots purchase toys for age groups with a short supply of toys (usually the 10 years and up age group). Checks made payable to Toys for Tots may be sent to Toys for Tots Cortland County, Marine Corps League, PO Box 5113, Cortland, NY 13045.

Cortland County Marine Corps League and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s primary goal is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.