Crossville’s Marine Corps League Begins Third Annual Toys for Tots

The Cumberland County Toys for Tots Program now accepting donations via collection boxes all around the county.

The campaign serves as a way to make sure less fortunate children receive presents on Christmas morning. Assistant Coordinator Greg Petty said it is something the local Marine Corps League felt the community needed.

“There’s a lot of people here that don’t have much,” Petty said. “They’re just trying to get by. And they can’t even get anything for their kids, and we want to fill that void. So that’s what we do at the Toys for Tots program, is fill those voids. You know, the parents can afford to come and see us. We’ll take care of the kids, alright? They deserve a toy at Christmastime.”

Petty said the campaign started three years ago when the local Marine Corps League reached out to the national organization with the desire to start collecting donations for kids in their area. Although it may seem like the program is starting early, Petty said it’s the best way to get the word out to the community.

“It’s getting recognition out there,” Petty said. “If you start out in November, people all of a sudden don’t realize. If we’re out there first in October, it shows people that we’re here, we’re ready if you can drop something off, fine if you want to wait. But at least every time you go to the store you’re seeing that Toys for Tots box.”

Petty said the best way for people to help the charity is to work with their local communities and organizations to gather as many toys as possible, and then bring the donations to the charity. The program will continue until December 15.

“It’s a real joy to do it, really,” Petty said. “It brings real pleasure to your heart when you see some of these kids get things that they normally wouldn’t have an opportunity to get.”