Toys For Tots Collection Exceeds Expectations In Bensalem Township

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —The Toys for Tots collection at Bensalem High School has exceeded expectations this year.

School officials said the program launched by the BHS Marine Corps JROTC, in partnership with the Lower Bucks County Toys for Tots Program, had such overflowing collection boxes that they were picked up a day earlier than planned.

All the toys collected are on their way to the Lower Bucks County Toys for Tots warehouse, where they will be sorted and redistributed to ensure every child has a present to open this holiday season.

This year, the program topped last year’s totals.

Between Bensalem High School and Valley Elementary, the program collected 227 toys, 81 stocking stuffer-sized toys, and 12 books.

School officials said the program's success can be attributed to the work by the VIVA Service Club (Valley Inspires Volunteer Action) at Valley Elementary School and their advisors, Kristin Sigovich and Kelly Tomlinson, who surprised the Bensalem High School MCJROTC with two cars full of donated toys.

Master Sgt. Shawn Worthen, USMC (Ret.), Leadership Studies - Marine Instructor
has been involved with Toys for Tots for many years while in the Marine Corps and is now
retired.

Worthen said he's personally seen the impact the program has on children who
might not otherwise get a toy. School officials said he is truly grateful for the support for this project.