HELENA – Once again Helena Toys for Toys are working to make sure every child receives a present this Christmas.
The United States Marine Corps Reserve and local volunteers worked all day Friday December 14 at the Salvation Army gymnasium to inspect, sort and organize more than 10,000 toys, 1,600 stocking-stuffers, 700 books and 150 bikes.
Toys were collected this week from donation sites in the Helena area and the community raised around $40,000.
Hundreds of families are expected at Saturday’s distribution and the Salvation Army will also be providing clothes and shoes to those in need.
Assistant Coordinator Hal Robbins says that while it’s been a ton of work this year, it’s always worth it when the families come through the door.
“It’s hard to explain to people how rewarding it is to do all this work,” said Robbins, “It’s all worth it when you see someone come down and they pick up the toys they got the big smile on their face and you look at yourself and your like I did it that was great.”
Robbins would also like to thank the community for their continued support.
Toys for Tots are still accepting monetary donations and anything they receive over costs will be used for next year’s toy collection.
