Toys for Tots volunteers finish loading up a vehicle with toys during their distribution day on Saturday, Dec. 12. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)
SPRUCE PINE — Mitchell County Toys for Tots volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 12 sorted, packaged and distributed toys for more than 300 children.
According to Local Coordinating Officer Mark Thomas, Toys for Tots is supporting 325 children in Mitchell County this year.
Toys for Tots, a program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, collects new, unwrapped toys from October to December as well as monetary donations to purchase and distribute toys as Christmas gifts to children in need in the community.
The program has been in Mitchell County for seven years now and is organized by the Mt. Mitchell Marine Corps League #1266. Last year, the local program supported 314 children and distributed 1,737 toys.
Thomas noted everything that is collected by Mitchell County Toys for Tots stays in Mitchell County to help children in the local community.
“All of this will stay right here in the county,” Thomas said gesturing to the shelves full of toys. “We’re just trying to provide a happier, blessed Christmas to all of these children in need. I always say that every kid deserves to wake up and see that Santa came on Christmas morning.”
Thomas had a little over half a dozen volunteers helping him out on Saturday, including Junior Miss NC Southeast America 2020 Kaylee Hollifield.
“I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to volunteer for the local Toys for Tots drive this year,” she said. “I want to strive to do my part to help the children in need in my county. This program is such a blessing to the community and gives children and parents who are less fortunate a little ray of hope during the Christmas season.”
Hollifield added she has a passion for servicemen and women and sees all veterans as positive role models.
“I have always been passionate about our servicemen and women as my parents have raised me to always thank a veteran when I see one,” she said. “Marines and all veterans are excellent role models for kids of all ages and set a positive example for us all to follow.”
To support Toys for Tots, email spruce.pine.nc@toysfortots.org or call 688-4441. Additionally, monetary donations can be made year-round online.