Collection continues through Dec. 15 for donations of new, unwrapped toys
A U.S. Marine recently helped to spur his mother toward bringing a special program to Logan County for Christmastime in 2024 — Toys for Tots — that will help to brighten the holidays for many local children.
Logan County Toys for Tots Coordinator Heather Wright said the local collection campaign began Oct. 1, and the new, unwrapped toys are currently being collected at a number of local sites through Dec. 15.
In previous years, Wright has enjoyed adopting families at Christmastime with her church. This year, she wanted to find a way to expand on her passion for helping others.
“We enjoy knowing we can make a child smile especially at Christmastime, and no child should go without,” she said. “Our church, Wake Up The World Ministries, has adopted families from Children’s Services for many years.
“Last year, I tried to do a small toy drive in addition to those kids we already helped. My son, who is a United States Marine, suggested that I contact Toys for Tots to get assistance for the kids.”
Her son, Hayden Lockwood, graduated from Benjamin Logan High School in 2017. He has served with the U.S. Marines for seven years and is currently a corporal.
The mission of Toys for Tots — a program of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve — 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.
While researching the program, Wright discovered that Logan County did not have a Toys for Tots campaign locally. After meeting other coordinators, she said she “immediately fell in love with the process and the pride these volunteers take in having a successful campaign.”
Wright was approved as a new coordinator through the Toys for Tots’ thorough screening process. Then she attended a mandatory training in St. Louis, Mo.
“Every coordinator that I met was top-notch. The Marines were respectful and very helpful. An experience I will never forget,” Wright said.
Now she is hitting the ground running to spread community awareness about the local program and this important way to help area children.
Collection boxes are currently available at:
Bellefontaine Police Department, 135 N. Detroit St.; Bellefontaine Examiner, 1213 W. Sandusky Ave.; Gathering Grounds Coffee, 337 E. Main St., Russells Point; Hess Lumber, 300 E. Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine; Logan County Children’s Services, 1855 W. State Route 47, Bellefontaine; Logan County Electric Cooperative, 1587 N. County Road 32, Bellefontaine; Richwood Bank, Bellefontaine branch, 120 E. Sandusky Ave., and Huntsville branch, 4848 Napoleon St.; Spend-A-Day Marina, 9481 State Route 708, Russells Point; and Indian Lake EMS, 280 N. Oak St., Lakeview.
Wright said collection site letters are still going out, so the number of collection sites will grow. Scan the QR code to find out more.
Area families in need also can make a request for toys by scanning the QR code or visiting www.toysfortots.org, and clicking the “Find a local campaign” link.
Beginning Dec. 16, the Logan County coordinator will make her rounds for the final pick up from the collection sites. Toy distributions will begin Dec 20, in time for Christmas.
“I want this to be a community event, with understanding that it comes from Toys for Tots, but also our church, and we are here to spread hope, love and joy to any child who puts in a request,” Wright said.
“The sky is the limit for the future of Toys for Tots in Logan County and surrounding areas. I am hopeful that the community will pull together and spread some Christmas cheer.”
