Toys for Tots

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program in Gainesville collects toys to give to children in need at Christmas.

Website: http://gainesville-fl.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.asp 

Contact: Eric Kidwell, (352) 495-2707, Toys4TotsGville@yahoo.com

What they do: The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program in Gainesville collects unwrapped, brand new toys every year in the months of October, November, and December. They distribute the Christmas gifts to needy children in Gainesville. Their goal is that by giving the children the toys, the children will experience joy, hope, and motivation to become productive, responsible citizens and leaders. Other goals that the Toys for Tots Program has is to unite citizens in the community toward a common goal in this project, to participate in the development of the nation’s children, and to make our communities better. 

What YOU can do to help: Brand new, unwrapped toys are needed for the Toys for Tots Program.  Check the website for drop-off locations. Historically, these businesses have been toy collection sites in Gainesville: 

UF Sites: 

Van Fleet Hall 

University Registrar's Office 

Emerson Alumni Hall 

College of Education 

College of Health and Human Performance 

Gainesville Sites: 

Cabot Lodge 

Build a Bear 

I-75 Self Storage 

Publix Supermarkets 

Best Western Gateway Grand 

Gainesville Health and Fitness Centers 

Southern Commerce Bank, Walmart Supercenter 

Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club 

Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown

The Clock Restaurant

Jonesville Barber Shop 

In addition to donating toys, businesses are needed to provide collection sites for the toys, help in the storage and transportation of toys, underwrite special events, promote the Toys for Tots program in the media, hang posters, and help with printing. If your business would like to sponsor Toys for Tots, sign up on this website: 

http://gainesville-fl.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-sponsor-form.asp

If you are interested in volunteering your time to help Toys for Tots, fill out the contact form below, or contact Eric Kidwell. 

http://gainesville-fl.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-volunteer-form.asp