10/29/2009 6:00:00 AM
Toys for Tots program launched
Collections of gifts for needy children already underway
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JAMES CHILTON/Miner
Toys for Tots area coordinator Norman Burns stands amidst assorted empty boxes in a former car showroom at Martin Swanty Kia, 2610 E. Andy Devine Ave., which has been reworked into a distribution center for the charity. In the coming weeks, Burns hopes to fill the empty boxes with toys for needy families, especially those with children ages 3 to 5.
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KINGMAN - The start of the holiday season may be more than a month away, but Norman Burns is hoping to start giving out toys long before then.
That's because Burns is this year's coordinator for Toys for Tots, the long-running charity program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Last year, the program distributed more than 3,300 new and unwrapped toys to needy children throughout Kingman, Golden Valley, Dolan Springs, Wikieup and Meadview, and this year Burns hopes to exceed that number.
"People are already calling in and registering for the toys," Burns said. "As soon as we get the toys, we'll start packaging them up for each family who's registered."
Burns and his fellow volunteers have already distributed 90 collection boxes throughout the city at various retailers, doctors' offices, gas stations, banks and government buildings. In addition, Burns himself has already spent $2,000 in foundation funds to purchase enough toys to get the process started.
Burns is requesting toys for children up to age 16, of any and all sorts. He is particularly hoping for skateboards and other sports equipment for boys, and dolls, stuffed animals and makeup kits for girls.
"We really need toys for the younger boys and girls in the 3-5 age group," he said. "We don't get a lot of that."
Families interested in receiving toys can register with the program by calling (928) 718-8697. Registrants are required to give their name, telephone number and address and must also specify the number of children, their ages and whether they're boys or girls.
Burns said that information will be used to put together a toy package appropriate to each family that registers.
Unlike previous years, this year's toy drive has a limited amount of storage space. Local car dealer Martin Swanty has donated the use of a former showroom at 2610 E. Andy Devine Ave. to serve as Toys for Tots' distribution headquarters, but there is little walking room, and Burns hopes to avoid long lines out the door by requesting parents only come to pick toys up after they've been called and informed that their package is ready.
No deliveries
Additionally, Burns has no current plans to deliver toys to registered families, though that may change if there proves to be a high demand for toys in outlying areas.
"They've got to come in and pick them up," Burns said. "But if push comes to shove, we might try to get the Sheriff's Office to deliver them."
In addition to new and unwrapped toys, Burns said Toys for Tots is always looking for monetary donations to purchase toys outright, as well as more volunteer help to man the phones and retrieve donation boxes to take back to the distribution center.
"We can especially use someone with a pickup that can help us go around and pick up toys," he said.
Toys for Tots collections run from now through Dec. 25. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org or call Burns at (928) 753-7114.
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Posted: Sunday, November 01, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
we at unity groove productions will be doing a show at the hotel brunswick on nov28th with all proceeds going to toy for tots. dj's from kingman and from las vegas
Posted: Thursday, October 29, 2009
Article comment by:
Sharon
Good Grief--Don't be a Scrooge...
With all the empty businesses and offices in Kingman, surely someone can donate space for a month or so..
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