Fall Giving in West Creek

Many of you have probably heard of the Toys for Tots initiative and have seen boxes like the ones shown above placed in stores during the holiday season. Have you ever donated a toy to this program? If you have, excellent! If you haven’t, this is your year to begin! Toys for Tots is a program run by the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve, whose mission is:

” … to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.”

Our staff at West Creek Self Storage decided that this would be the perfect way to help do our part to serve our beloved West Creek, NJ community. We’d love to have epic levels of participation from our friends and neighbors, and decided that the best way to do this would be to answer some frequently asked questions about the drive. If we don’t address your specific concern, please leave us a note in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to get back to you!

Question 1: Are there any items that are not accepted for distribution in this program?

Answer 1: Toys for Tots will not accept used toys, as they feel it is only right to give every child a brand new toy that they can call their own. They do not want any child to feel like they are a “second class citizen” that only deserves a hand-me-down toy. Also, any gifts that include realistic looking weapons or food will not be distributed.

Question 2: What age child should I buy for?

Answer 2: The Toys for Tots drive distributes toys to newborns to about 12 years old. Any item you deem appropriate in this age group would be greatly appreciated! Toys for Tots does not create a shopping list for children, as they would like participants to freely choose an item that they would like to see brighten a child’s Christmas holiday.

Question 3: I know of a child that could really benefit from this program. How can I sign him/her up?

Answer 3: Go to the Toys for Tots website. At the top of the page, select the “Request Toys” option. Select your state, and then select the city or county nearest your location. You’ll be prompted to provide contact information – we suggest you choose email, as it is fast and easy. You’ll be sent a form that requires you to fill out your name, phone number and address, as well as the ages and genders of the children you are requesting for. Once this form is received, a Toys for Tots coordinator will contact you.

If you would like to donate a gift to Toys for Tots, please drop off a new, unwrapped toy to our office during normal business hours. We thank you in advance for helping us to serve the children of our West Creek, NJ community!