Local Toys for Tots Short on Donations This Season, Organizers Say

By Kara Seymour

The local Toys for Tots branch serving needy children in Montgomery County said it is seeing a dramatic dip in toy donations.

To date, local Toys for Tots organizers say they have received 6,200 gift requests from local children. “Our shelves aren’t as packed as we’d like,” organizer Guy Vogel said. “We’re not having a very good year so far.”

Even with the organization spending $20,000 on gifts for kids ages 9 and up, he said the shelves are “somewhat bare.”

On Wednesday, Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro hopes to help spur interest in donating and volunteering. Shapiro will be visiting the warehouse where toys from the 431 drop-off sites are stored and later packed for area families.

The public is invited to the event, which starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Toys for Tots Horsham warehouse, 411 Caredean Drive. Those who attend can bring toys and see how their charitable contributions and volunteering can help this holiday season.

Currently, the most needed items are for infants and older kids. Volunteers are needed to help sort toy donations.

Click here to find out how you can help.