WWAY now accepting donations for Toys for Tots

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — As the holiday season approaches, the annual Toys for Tots campaign, organized by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, is underway in the Cape Fear area. The holiday campaign, which officially kicked off on October 1, aims to collect new, unwrapped toys for children in need, ensuring that every child in the region has something to open on Christmas morning.

Terri Landress, one of the organizers of the Calabash campaign, says the community’s support has been instrumental in the success of the initiative, with hundreds of donation boxes set up at local businesses across Brunswick and Columbus counties.

“The need gets greater every year,” Landress explained. “We do all age children, and we don’t stop. Last year, we were distributing toys up until December 22nd to make sure every family and child had something under the tree.”

While the Toys for Tots campaign is a national effort, the local branches ensure that all donations stay within the community.

“Everything stays local in Brunswick County,” Landress said. “We use the toys we collect to help purchase specific items for children, such as toys for teenagers or baby dolls when we don’t receive enough donations in those categories.”

The Toys for Tots campaign includes numerous events and drives throughout the season. That includes the Harley Davidson Ride in Shallotte, which celebrates its 15th year this December 1. In addition, there are golf tournaments and other fundraising events to support the cause.

For those wishing to donate, the toys must be new and unwrapped, and toys for all ages are accepted. Donations can be dropped off at various locations, including the WWAY lobby during regular business hours. Our address is 1224 Magnolia Village Way in Leland.

For more information on how to donate or to find a drop-off location, visit the Toys for Tots website or WWAY’s campaign page.