The Salvation Army Operations Coordinator, Paul Downing, spoke Tuesday to the Kiwanis Club about the upcoming Toys for Tots campaign.
Precious Grundy | The Lima News
LIMA — Toys for Tots will commemorate 75 years of giving with its annual campaign that will begin Wednesday, Nov. 2.
The kick-off will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the American Legion, located at 711 S. Shore Drive in Lima. Mayor Sharetta Smith will be in attendance along with the Allen County commissioners.
The Operations Coordinator at the Salvation Army, Paul Downing, joined the Kiwanis Club of Lima meeting Tuesday to discuss the upcoming program.
“It is the 75th anniversary worldwide for Toys for Tots,” said Downing. “It is a big year for that. Not 75 years here (in Lima); we started in the ‘80s. It is a joint effort with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the Salvation Army and The Lima Noon Optimist Club.”
The campaign receives new, unwrapped toy donations by way of collection boxes around the area. Community members can find them at government buildings, schools, Chief Markets and other businesses throughout the area.
“We have around 180 participants countywide that help collect the toys,” said Downing. “There’s a lot of community support. They do a tremendous job. WLIO does a great job helping with a truck full of toys.”
Toys are then given to the Salvation Army to distribute for Christmas. With the generous donations of the community, the Lima/Allen County area gives away about 1,500 toys every year.
Any local business is welcome to participate in the campaign, which ends Dec. 12.
Community members can sign up to receive toys beginning on Nov.15. The toys will be distributed at the Salvation Army located at 614 E. Market St. on Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information contact the Salvation Army at 419-224-9055 ext. 11.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
