The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program is in full swing in with toy drop off boxes located in many businesses throughout the community.
According to Stanislaus County Coordinator Master Gunnery Sergeant Ray Bael, 2020 is an especially challenging year due to the Coronavirus pandemic shut downs and restrictions.
“There are more families who qualify for the program because of layoffs and business closings and we are receiving fewer donations for the same reason,” he said. “We are hoping the communities will help us out by donating new unwrapped toys at one of our drop off locations.”
Oak Summit Masonic Lodge 112 in Knights Ferry is helping out again this year as in the past by distributing the boxes to Oakdale, Riverbank and other eastside communities. They will also be collecting the toys and delivering them to the distribution center in Modesto. Local merchants will also be collecting toys during the Oakdale Downtown Christmas event on Saturday, Dec. 5 including a raffle with all the donations going to the local program.
For more information on where and how to donate go to www.toysfortots.org or contact Bill Johnson at (209) 896-5057.