Toys For Tots toy drive kicks off Monday

LINN COUNTY – The annual Toys For Tots toy drive kicks off Monday, Nov. 8. Organizers are counting on community donations to help more than 1,700 families in need this year.

Bring new, unwrapped toys to one of the many collection sites across Linn County. For a complete list of drop box locations, visit tsacedarrapids.org and follow the Toys for Tots link. Also find suggested toy ideas for children of all ages. The program serves ages birth through 17.

Toys For Tots is a national program run by the United States Marine Corps through the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation. The project has been active in the Cedar Rapids community since 1949 and has grown in size each year. Locally, The Salvation Army, the Cedar Rapids Jaycees, Toys For Tots and other community partners work together to provide The Christmas Toy Shop. Last year organizers collected and distributed more than 25,000 toys to nearly 3,000 needy children throughout Linn County.

In addition to toys, monetary donations will also be accepted payable to the Toys For Tots Foundation c/o The Salvation Army, 1000 C Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405. This year's toy drive runs Nov. 8 through Dec. 11.

For more information on how you can help, visit The Army's website at tsacedarrapids.org or contact Lindsay Hand, Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army, at (319) 364-9131.

There is still time to sign up for Christmas assistance – registration is required. Christmas assistance includes both the toy shop and the holiday food box program. Applications will be available at The Salvation Army through Friday, Nov. 19. No appointment is necessary. Staff and volunteers will be accepting applications Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Evening hours will also be available from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, Tuesday, Nov. 9, and Thursday, Nov. 18. All households that meet the income guidelines of 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible to apply for food boxes. Those households with children ages birth to 17 also qualify for the toy distribution.

Applicants must bring the following to apply: Iowa issued picture identification card, social security cards for each member of the family and proof of income. Acceptable documents to verify income include: Social Security statement or letter from the Social Security Administration stating income, 2009 income taxes, pay stubs from the last 30 days, food stamp EBT card, LIHEAP approval letter and/or WIC packet. For registration details, contact The Salvation Army at (319) 364-9131.