“Toys for Tots” in Yuma

Christmas shopping is in full effect, but while you’re shopping for the great deals Black Friday has to offer, giving a special toy to a child in need, can make their Christmas.

The U.S. Marine nationwide campaign, “Toys for Tots” collects new and unwrapped toys to give to children who are in need for the holidays. Sgt. Catalina Wiley, thinks this is a great lesson to teach to the community this time of year.

“I think it helps teach everyone around us community values and the fact that if we come together, we can work towards the greater good.If we start at the lowest level possible,that could spread to something bigger and better”, Wiley says.

“Toys for Tots” donates thousands of toys to children nationwide, but everything collected here in Yuma County, will help local children who don’t always have something to look forward to underneath the tree.

Wiley mentions,”The local campaign for Yuma, any toys or cash donations stay within Yuma to help the local families, what we’re trying to do is spread the Christmas spirit and show children kindness and love, and the reason we want the community to get involved is because we can’t do this by ourselves first of all.”

For Santa Claus himself, he believes the act of giving is stronger than the recieving.

“The children love to see Santa, and Santa loves to children and the joy is in giving and to quote scripture it’s more blessing to give than receiving and these marines make it special too and it’s all from heart. It’s the reason of the season and children’s laughter is what we’re after”,Claus says.

“Toys for Tots” collects new and unwrapped toys, and also money donations. You can drop them off this weekend at any local Walmart store.