Toys for Tots hopes to double donations from last year

Toys for Tots hopes to have a 50 percent increase in toy donations this year.

“That first year, we gave toys to 50 kids,” said Lucinda Clark, Mount Pleasant resident and Toys for Tots Coordinator. “Last year, we gave toys to 1,954 kids.”

The local chapter was started in 1987 by Clark’s father, Dick Barz, who got involved to stay busy during the holidays after his wife died. To aid donations, more than 200 Toys for Tots donation boxes are set up in establishments throughout Isabella and Clare Counties.

The Marine Corps started Toys for Tots in 1947, setting up boxes at local businesses to collect donations of toys for newborns to 15-year-olds.

Central Michigan University students will have a chance to donate toys in boxes set up in residence halls and sorority houses.

Phi Sigma Phi fraternity is holding two separate competitions for the sororities and the halls.

The sorority that collects the most toys will receive a plaque and a dinner prepared by Phi Sigma Phi members. The residence hall that wins will receive a pizza party sponsored by the fraternity.

“This is the first year for this, but we’re hoping to make it an annual thing if it goes well,” said Kyle Demars, a Phi Sigma Phi member and Dimondale junior.

Students welcome to donate

The competition started Sunday and ends Dec. 3.

Demars said the fraternity is still waiting for a response to their official request to set up boxes in the residence halls but, as soon as they receive permission, the boxes will be set up.

Battle Creek junior Jenna Cope, Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority president, said the sorority has already collected some toys and believes the program will be a success within the Greek community.

“The Greek community is great about helping each other out and participating in philanthropic events, so we are confident that participation won’t be an issue,” she said.

All students are welcome to donate.

“Go to any of the residence halls that has a box or any sorority house would be happy to take them,” Demars said.

The boxes will stay up until Dec. 17 and dropped off Dec. 18 at Finch Fieldhouse, where volunteers will collect and sort them. Additional donations can be taken to Finch Fieldhouse that day. Dec. 19 is “distribution day.”

Any parents in need of a present for their kids can bring a driver’s license and their child’s birth certificate, and each child can pick up to $25 worth of toys.

“They don’t have to be in any programs, just anyone who needs a toy,” Clark said. “If someone were to lose their job today, they could come get a toy.”