Toys for Tots makes it easy to give back

Toys for Local Children, (TLC) is a Somerville based charity that supports local families. ~Photo by Bobbie Toner America’s need has never been greater, with over 14 million underprivileged children living in this country. Ashley Troutman Do you want to give back to your community this holiday season, but don't have a lot of extra time or money? The Toys for Tots Program offers several ways to contribute. Whether you donate online, by mail, or in person, helping a child in need has never been easier. The Toys for Tots Program originated in 1947 when a group of Marine Reservists collected and distributed five thousand holiday toys to needy children in Los Angeles. Since then, the program has become a nationally recognized charity, making more than one-hundred-eighty million underprivileged children smile on Christmas Day. To donate to The Toys for Tots Program, drop off a new, unwrapped toy at any Massachusetts State Police Barracks, Boston Fire Department, Toys "R" Us, or Babies "R" Us. For alternate drop off locations, or to make an online donation, visit the charities website at Toysfortots.org. If you'd like your donation to help a family in the area, Toys for Local Children, (TLC) is a Somerville based charity that supports local families. Bring your unwrapped toys to the Somerville Fire Station, the Boston Sports Club in Davis Square, East Cambridge Savings Bank on Highland Avenue, or any of the City of Somerville Municipal Buildings. If you'd rather make a monetary donation, checks should be made payable to Toys for Local Children, and sent to TLC - P.O. Box 45406 Somerville, MA 02145. For more information, go to www.toysforlocalchildren.org. Are you a parent that would like to receive gifts for your children? Fill out an application form online by December 12th for TLC. To work with the Toys for Tots Program, get in touch with your social worker or Pastor, and keep in mind their deadline of December 4th. By receiving a new toy at Christmas, children are given a message of hope for the future. America's need has never been greater, with over 14 million underprivileged children living in this country. Your tax-deductible donation could make a child's Christmas wish come true, and contributes to the Toys for Tots Program's mission, which is and always has been to "bring the joy of Christmas to America's needy children."