Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 | 12:31 p.m.
Times are tough for everyone right now, but imagine having nothing to give your son or daughter for Christmas. The holiday season is supposed to be a magical time for children, but with the slumping economy and other hardships, some children may be left with empty wishes this season.
More than 60 years ago, the wife of a United States Marine Corps major asked him to donate a doll she had made to a needy child. After finding there was no such organization to accomplish this task, the Toys for Tots foundation was formed. Since then, more than 370 million toys have been collected and distributed to children in need during the holiday season.
"While Toys for Tots coordinators organize, coordinate and manage the campaign, the ultimate success depends on the support of the local community and the generosity of the people who donate toys," according to the organization's Web site.
For the second year, the City of Henderson Convention Center will have a drop box located in its lobby. You can bring in new, unwrapped toys until Dec. 22.
"The City of Henderson is always looking for ways to give back," said Andrea Primo, Director of the Cultural Arts & Tourism Department. "The holidays are a time for joy, happiness and goodwill. It truly is an honor that the U.S. Marine Corps has decided to share such a heartwarming tradition as the Toys for Tots program with us for the second year in a row."
The City's involvement in Toys for Tots helps kick off the annual WinterFest, which is a series of events and happenings in downtown Henderson.
Dec. 12 and 13, the drop box will move outside the Convention Center, next to the Santa's Cottage so that WinterFest participants may also donate. The drop box will then be available until Dec. 22 inside the Convention Center lobby.
Toys can be dropped off between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
"Contributing to the Toys for Tots Program isn't restricted to donating new, unwrapped toys. The community can make a monetary donation online at www.toysfortots.org; donate time to help local Toys for Tots Campaigns; and donate service support to local Toys for Tots Campaigns," said Nicole Johnson, a City of Henderson information specialist.
Also, if you are not able to visit the Convention Center during the drive, there are several other locations within the valley where you can take your donations.
Log on to www.toysfortots.org for more information.
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