LOGAN – As the holiday season approaches, many toy collection boxes are empty. Toys for Tots is inviting everyone to help. They want to make sure every child will wake up to the joy of a toy under the Christmas tree.
Giving today, whether online or locally, will help Toys for Tots fill the box with gifts, smiles, and holiday magic for children who might otherwise go without.
No matter the size of gift, those who generously give can bring hope, laughter, and unforgettable moments to children who might not have any.
Cache Valley Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots is holding a toy drive at Zootah on Saturday Nov. 8, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
The organization is holding two other toy drives at Five Below on November 22, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and on Black Friday, November 28, from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Zootah is located at 419 W. 700 S. in the Willow Park area. Five Below is located at 49 E. 400 N., Ste 120 in Logan.
The organization so far has 252 families they are helping this Christmas, and the list is growing. The families average about three children per home.
“We mostly need toys for kids 0-2 years old and 13 -18 years old,” says Michael Soholt, the assistant coordinator of the Toys for Tots in Logan. “We accept all donations. Donations must be in the original packaging.”
Logan’s Toys for Tots not only supports children in Cache County, but they also stretch out to Box Elder, Rich and parts of Franklin and Bear Lake counties. They have found a temporary location located at 2005 North 600 West in Logan.
They are still looking for a permanent place to call home.
“We are desperate for donors and sponsors, especially return sponsors to help us with money,” he said. “We would like to attract sponsors that would come year after year.”
Their goal is to give every child two toys, two stocking stuffers, a book and stuffed animal.
Melanie Sweet and Michael Soholt have been the go-to people for the Logan Toys for Tots for 5 years.
The organization was originally formed by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 1991 to provide new toys to children in need. They hosts multiple local toy drives in locations around the country, but interested people can also donate toys on line at logan-uttoysfortots.org.