GRANVILLE – The Granville Police and Fire Department’s annual Toys for Tots Drive is this Saturday from Noon until 4 p.m. at the Granville Town Hall.
In past years the event has been strictly for people to just drop off the unwrapped presents but this year town first responders are making more out of it and asking residents to stay awhile and enjoy what is being offered.
“We’re really trying to make it more of an event,” said Tim Rickis of the Granville Fire Department.
There will be light refreshments and food, crafts and games, and Santa will be available for pictures. Rickis also mentioned that if the weather is good they will open up the firehouse and allow the kids to see the fire trucks.
Members of the Granville Fire and Police Departments and a local marine are seen at a past Toys for Tots Drive. (Submitted photo)
Rickis mentioned that a few people have already dropped of some toys at the firehouse. While the first responders will certainly accept toys beforehand, they’re hoping for a large turnout of donations on Saturday.
For last year’s toy drive, 265 toys were donated, along with $160 in monetary donations and Rickis has a goal to beat that number.
“If we could break the 300 mark (for toys), I would be thrilled,” said Rickis. “That would be awesome.”
According to Rickis, there will be volunteers from both the police and fire departments helping throughout the day. Granville firefighters Jacob Macomber and Josh Markowski are also Marines and will be assisting.
The Toys for Tots Drive is a nationwide program called “Stuff a Truck,” where local first responders partner up with U.S. Marines. Founded in 1947 by Marine Reserve Bill Hendricks, the program is focused on distributing toys to kids of families in need.
According to Tyler Ciesla, a Marine and coordinator for the Western Massachusetts Toys for Tots, Marines will arrive at the Granville Town Hall and pick up the donations at the end of the day.
The Western Massachusetts Toys for Tots campaign started on October 1 and the Marines have been receiving requests for toys from single families and non-profit organizations since mid-November. The toys will then be delivered throughout Western Massachusetts for the month of December.
