The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program in Gainesville collects toys to give to children in need at Christmas.
Contact: Bryan Chrisp (Coordinator), alachuacountytoysfortots@gmail.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 the website.