Toy Drive Accepts Donations From Numerous County Organizations
(From left) Joe Sunday, Gary Gross, Alex Morales, Hannah Morales, Javier Morales, Dave Morales, Ana Morales, Andrea Morales, Trisha Sloma, Kami Johnson Carrie Sloma.
(Photos by Alyssa Richardson)
WARSAW — Numerous county organizations and community members visited Martin’s Supermarket, located on Mariner’s Drive, Warsaw, not only for their Saturday morning shopping but to give back to the community.
The Morales family have been attending the annual, live Toys For Tots drive as volunteers for approximately 27 years according to Officer Dave Morales of the WPD. This year the drive saw donations from numerous community organizations such as the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Association, Warsaw Community School Corporation and numerous good samaritans throughout the community.
According to Morales, though there is not an exact count for donations dropped off today, at least 5,000 items were dropped off by area organizations. In addition, $3,600 was received in monetary donations from the community.
“It’s just really great to be giving back to the community,” explained Morales. “You see the need for it and can see the affect it has on people’s lives.”
“Martin’s chose to support Toys For Tots because it symbolizes the unending love that Christmas is about,” stated Kami Johnson, Martin’s community affairs specialist. “We are honored to join the Marines and our entire community providing joy, love and support for our local families that need some extra help. This program strengthens our community and it is our responsibility as a family owned business to support those that support us.”
Morales noted there are still numerous opportunities for others to donate to the cause. New, unopened and unwrapped toys may be donated to several area businesses in Warsaw, North Webster, Syracuse, Milford and Pierceton.
The following locations are available for drop off:
Warsaw — Big R, Wal-Mart, all Dollar General locations, Martin’s Super Market, Monteith, Renekers, First Federal Credit Union, Beacon Credit Union, Dental Solutions, Align Life, Work One, CVS, Walgreens, both Owens locations, Old National Bank, Warsaw City Hall, Warsaw Community Schools, Warsaw Police Department, Marsh, Family Video and Ruby Tuesday.
North Webster — CVS and Dollar General
Syracuse — CVS and Dollar General
Milford — Dollar General and Lizards Bar
Pierceton — Dollar General
(Photo by Kami Johnson)
Don’t forget sign up dates to be a participant in the local drive are 4-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7.
Those wishing to sign up kids as recipients of the toy campaign can go to the back of the Warsaw Police Department. Park on the west side of the building and follow the signs. Those signing up will need to have a photo ID and some form of ID for the kids being signed up. Participants cannot be signed up with any one else to receive help this Christmas.
Any questions about signing up or donations can contact Dave Morales, county coordinator, [email protected] or call (574) 371-5099, ext. 2367.
