The 2025 Toys for Tots campaign continues, and boxes are out at numerous locations to receive new, unwrapped toys that will end up in the hands of youngsters who may otherwise go without.
Bridget Lindeman is the coordinator of the program for the Buffalo Rotary. She says more than 100 volunteers help out in various roles in the annual toy drive…
“We have a wonderful community that supports this program. I went to training last year with all the Toys for Tots coordinators, and as people talked about their campaigns, and the struggles to get donations and funds, and having helped with it, I looked at our group and I was like…wow…I’m stepping into a great spot with…like I said it’s a great group that works with us, and we have the funds to support our community. And we have a very generous community which is amazing.”
She says donation boxes will be out for roughly two more weeks…
“Until Wednesday, December 17th. That’s our final pickup, and that’s when the boxes will be removed from the businesses.”
Sheila Smude heads up the shopping for needed gifts that aren’t donated through the boxes at sponsor locations. Monetary donations are used to shore up the gift supply which often is directed toward older youngsters…
“People think Toys for Tots they think little kids, they think dolls and trucks, and those are great, we need those too…but about a quarter of our applicants are ages 13 to 18. The things that those kiddos want are usually more expensive, and so those are not donated as often.”
Distribution of toys for families who have applied will be Saturday, December 13th. Families will be contacted with complete information about the distribution day procedures.
More information on the Toys for Tots drive is available at; www.buffalorotary.com.
