COLONIE — In a year full of doubt and uncertainty, one tradition will hold true: The U.S. Marines will get enough toys for children who want them.
The annual Toy for Tots drive is well underway and this year, to accommodate those who want to help but are wary of going into public during the pandemic, there is a drive-through component outside the Albany County Hockey Facility near the airport.
The first drive through was held Saturday, Nov. 7, with a steady stream of cars full of toys, with another set for Saturday, Nov. 14.
“Let’s show the world what the Capital Region is all about. It doesn’t matter who we are it is about coming together for the right reasons at the right time for these kids,” said Marine Corp. Gunny Sgt. Albert Roman, the coordinator for Toys for Tots in the Capital District. “The Marines don’t fail, and we won’t fail at reaching our goal. We either go big or go home and we are going to make it for the kids.”
There are Toys for Tots drop off locations at a number of locations throughout the Capital District, including at The Spotlight offices at 341 Delaware Ave. in Delmar. Toys will be collected through Dec. 21.
The drive through is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts, which gave away a $5 gift card and a box of munchkins for person that drove to the site to donate toys.
The toys are sorted at a warehouse in Clifton Park where this year they are sanitized, too. Volunteers are needed to help with the enormous task — in 2019, there were 224,624 toys distributed to 195,999 children throughout the Capital District — of making sure every child in need will have something to open for Christmas.
To volunteer, become a drop location, to host an event or to request a toy, visit albany-ny.toysfortots.org.
