Toys for Tots collection campaign underway across the Cape Fear

Toys for Tots Calabash Campaign visits WWAY's Good Morning Carolina to talk about this year's holiday toy drive for underserved children

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — WWAY joins many businesses throughout the Cape Fear in participating in this year’s Toys for Tots campaign to collect new, unwrapped toys for underserved children throughout the region.

Organizer Terri Andress with the Toys for Tots Calabash Campaign stopped by Good Morning Carolina to offer more details about this year’s drive.

“October 1st actually launched our Christmas campaign,” Andress explained, “and it will run until we have enough toys for our children.”

“We give toys out ’til the last day, right before the holiday of Christmas,” Andress added.

She stressed that this is not only a holiday campaign, but also a drive to help the community all year long.

“We give to the literacy program, we give to children in need, we give to people who are in disasters or fires, so it’s all the time,” she said.

Toys for Toys always recruits businesses to host a toy collection box, and Andress said there’s an ancillary benefit for those companies that do decide to join the toy drive.

“Very much good will,” she said.

“It’s promoting that we believe in the neighborhood, that we’re trying to give back, and it gets people to come into their businesses to see what they’re also about,” she added.

“It’s a win-win for everybody around.”

Andress was joined by youth ambassador Madison Gough from Socastee High School.

“Youth ambassadors help with Toys for Tots bike rides, and also help in the warehouse,” she said.

Kids from infancy through high school benefit each year from the Toys for Tots program.

“We’re targeting all ages, just trying to get toys for everyone,” Gough said.

Andress wants people to remember that all the toys and cash donations given to the Toys for Tots Calabash campaign stay in the local community.

“Look for that Toys for Tots train, that Toys for Tots logo, that’s what you’re looking for on the boxes,” she said, to make sure you’re donating to the correct non-profit.

To request toys for your children in Brunswick, Columbus or Bladen Counties, visit here .

In New Hanover County, click here .

In Pender County, visit here .

Distribution will happen just before the Christmas holiday.