Need Christmas Assistance? Toys For Tots Kicks Off November 1

October 31, 2012

Applications will be accepted beginning Thursday for those needing assistance from the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign.

The drive strives to provide holiday toys for struggling families in Northwest Florida. Through partnerships with local charitable organizations and community donations, the Toys for Tots team hopes to provide three to five toys per child.  Applications will be accepted November 1 through December 10.

To qualify for the local program, children must be ages 1-14 and reside in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.

In Escambia County, applicants should call 211 or (850) 434-3157.

In Santa Rosa County, applications will be accepted in person at the following locations:

  • Jay: Jay Town Hall (3695 Hwy 4) (850) 675-4556
  • Gulf Breeze: Early Learning Coalition (3188 Gulf Breeze Pkwy.) (850) 916-5422
  • Milton: United Way of Santa Rosa County (6479-A Caroline St.) (850) 983-7200

Applicants will need the following documentation:

  • Valid photo ID (driver’s license, college ID, etc.)
  • Proof of residency if not on ID (utility bill in client’s name, government letters)
  • Proof of income (check stub, bank statement, letter of determination from government)
  • Proof of each child’s age (birth certificate, shot record stating birth date, letter from school)

Toys will be distributed to families in need on December 17 and 18 in Escambia County and December 19 in Santa Rosa County. Distribution site locations and times will be provide to clients upon application approval.

Comments

3 Responses to “Need Christmas Assistance? Toys For Tots Kicks Off November 1”

  1. 429SCJ on November 3rd, 2012 9:30 am

    Thank you Ma’am.

    Men and Women remember what Isaiah said, ” Learn to do good, seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow “. Everyone a knight.

  2. unfortunate one on November 3rd, 2012 12:29 am

    429SCJ. Your kindness still gives us hope that there is people out there that really care that care. My motto is from Finding Nemo ( I have 3 daughters ) and its Dori singing “Just Keep Swimming ” God Bless You

  3. 429SCJ on October 31st, 2012 8:02 pm

    I am not a wealthy man, but most years I am blessed to be able to sponser a child to the fair and there is always children right here near home that their parents are short of funds for christmas and birthdays, things like that, sometimes food and other necessities. I try to imagine what it would have been like, to not have had two loving parents that made personal sacrifices for my enrichment. It is not a plesant thought and there are many children in such a situation. That person standing outside the Tom Thumb with their worldly possessions in a plastic bag, with that look that you know when you see it on their face and in their appearance, a five dollar bill can fill their stomach.

    Good deeds cannot wash away our sins, but they are good for our souls and good for those who need our help, whatever we can spare for them. A tank of joyride fuel, alcohol and tobacco, that unnecessary indulgence/vice whatever it may be, we can skip it now and then and use those funds to help fill a real need in a life.