Originally Posted By peeaanuut Ok, for several years now Jayna and I have done the Toys for Tots thing (usually through the firestation’s Spark of Love Foundation). Each year we have been getting together more and more toys and were able to fill the boxes at 2 different stations last year. Well this year we are shooting for 3 boxes. So we are asking your help to encourage us. What we have found is that if we get the toys slowly over time we are able to get more each year. So far we have a good stash built up and are looking to get more. What we are asking is that others can do the same. Real simple tips are -picking up a toy at the grocery store. A buck or 2 on top of a $50+ food bill really isn’t noticed much -do the same thing at target, wal-mart, k-mart, etc -look for toys on sale. I was able to go to Toys R’ us last year and get a trunkload of toys for under $40. So get out there and throw a little something extra into your cart and make a kid smile this year. Happy early holidays!
Originally Posted By chickendumpling I'm confused. Are you asking me to send you toys or just to support Toys for Tots? I do encourage you in your endeavor though! I think LPers are a pretty giving group of folks so I bet a lot of us do donate. As for me, our entire office does a HUGE toy drive every year for foster children in our community and some friends of mine help organize Angel Tree which is a Christian ministry that delivers donated presents to the children of prisoners and it's all local. I also enjoy contributing to Samaritan's Purse which is international but a great program. I think I've posted about all this before so sorry if I'm being redunant.
Originally Posted By peeaanuut not asking to send me toys to give but if I know others on LP are doing it, it will give use more encouragement to go for 3 boxes this year. Basically trying to show people how easy it is to get toys together without even really trying. plus actually giving a toy is much better than just giving money.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains I usually go to the black friday sales at walmart and target with my 2 oldest (although they are ready to bring #3 son now as he is 11 and they say it's time to initiate him) they each get $50 ($25 from me and $25 of there own) and they are so competitive they both try and see who can get the most out of the $50 with out buying junky toys... It makes each of them feel good helping out those who don't have so much...
Originally Posted By Lisann22 My Tribe does a huge toy drive each year. We gave so many toys to the San Juan Bautista Mission the last few years, they had to share with three other Missions in the area. It's pretty amazing because most of my Tribe could qualify for the donations themselves. At work my guys and I sponsor two families every year from the women's shelter in our area. We completely fill their Christmas with toys, clothes, food and tree. ;>
Originally Posted By nevadarebel We adopt a family from the angel tree each year. My kids each pick a child and then I choose 2 adults to buy for. We always try and get what is on the list plus they get new socks, pajamas and underwear too. Peeaanuut, I think it is great that you think about this during the whole year, I wish I could to that too. I will have to try and remember that starting next year.
