I just got a call back from the Gunnery Sargent in Charge of the USMC Toys for Tots program in Red Bank.

 

He said they are trying to get toy donations in early November this year as they are wrapping up the program a little early since Christmas is on a Tuesday.

 

I asked him if they where looking for specific toys and he gave me this list:

 

Barbies (Can get single dolls for $5 or $6)

Matchbox/Hot wheels

Batman Action figures

Transformers Action figures

Sports items such as Baseball Gloves (~$10 to $14), Basketballs (~$10), etc

 

He said to try to avoid games. He also said he would not go over $14 ish dollars per item.

 

He also said if you go to a Toys R US and speak with the manager, they will give 10% off if shopping for Toys for Tots.

 

I am getting a sizable bonus at the end of the month and was planning on spending most of it on Black Friday for Toys for Tots. But since I talked to the Gunnery Sargent, I will probably be shopping in 2 or 3 weekends, then I will be dropping off the Toys to him at the Reserve Center in Red Bank.

 

I put up this post to see if anyone was interested in joining me and making a collective effort. I'm in Central New Jersey (Keansburg), but the store to shop at can be determined based on who wants to go.

 

I donated about $250 worth of toys last year, but just dropped them off with the Marines in the Mall. I figured this year as I am buying more, I'd contact them and make it more organized. Its a great feeling to help children.. but more important is that you get to play with toys for an hour or two and your wife can't tell you not too!!!

 

Edit: Disclaimer: Since this is a gun site, I found this on the Toys for Tots Website:

 

Q: Are there toys/gifts that are not accepted/distributed?

Toys for Tots prefers not to accept realistic looking weapons and gifts with food. If donated, such items will NOT be distributed.

I had owned a Laundromat in Matawan previously (Sadly sold in the divorce). We opened in 2004. One of the things I did every year, We would donate the first $500 and purchased as many toys as possible. Then we made a big display across the platforms of the machines and asked our patrons to donate also. Our first 3 years doing it, required the marines to show up with minimal two trucks in order to pick up all the toys.

 

One of our customers was a local scout leader, and we joined forces with them. They went around the area posting flyers for drop off. It was a win win. We had several marines who arrived in full dress, to take pictures with the boys. Now that I think about it, have to find those pictures now...

Hmmm, surprisingly, still some photos up on the website. I do believe the new owners are still continuing in our tradition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Marine Corps Association in my dept does this every year. Great cause.