Toys for Tots Campaign Kicks Off in Avon Lake

Toys for Tots, the annual holiday mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

The campaign, which kicked off Nov. 23, runs through Friday, Dec. 16.

Avon Lake Councilman David Kos, who served in the Marines, said donation drop off sites have expanded in Avon Lake from two locations last year, to five this year.

New children’s gifts can be dropped off at , the the , the Post 211 and thebuilding on Miller Road. Gifts do not need to be wrapped.

“We are only seeking new, unopened and unwrapped toys,” Kos said. “If it’s wrapped we won’t know if it’s appropriate, or for boys and girls.”

The Marines work with the Salvation Army to distribute the toys to needy families during the Christmas holiday. All toys collected in Avon Lake will remain in the county.

“The Salvation Army is the one of distributing them to Lorain County kids,” Kos said. “Every toy is given to a Lorain County child.”

 Kos said Avon Lakers have been generous in the past.

“Last year we filled an entire truck up,” Kos said.

 Where to donate

New, unwrapped and unopened gifts can be dropped off at the following locations:

• City Hall
• Avon Lake Public Library
• Avon Lake Fire Department
• American Legion Hall
• Avon Lake Municipal Utilities building (Miller Road)