Page 19 - December 2015

The State Police and USMC have already held one Fill the Cruiser Day so far this year. Some 672 toys were collected on November 21 out-
side Toys R Us in Springfield, and we are grateful to all who donated. (Please note that Springfield will also be part of the larger statewide
Fill the Cruiser Day on December 5).

Those in Need

Being the Massachusetts State Police Toys for Tots coordinator, I often hear about families that are in need. I also hear from the Marines
when they need toys to fill toy orders. Many people don’t realize that starting around the beginning of October, non-profit agencies and
churches start contacting Toys for Tots requesting toys for holidays. Unfortunately, they are unable to fill many of those orders until
mid-December. It usually takes approximately 10 days from when a toy is donated, picked-up from the drop site, sorted by age and gen-
der, boxed in a toy order, then picked up by the charity, before it can be distributed to a family in need. This is why it is so important to
donate to charities early in the holiday season so they know they have the items they need for the families in a timely manner.

Paying it Forward

Over the years I have gotten many notes, cards and phone calls from people describing that they donate because they themselves were
once in need. We have even seen this idea of “paying it forward” at our Fill the Cruiser event and at the barracks. One day last month I
received a phone call from “Barbara.” She indicated that she has two bikes and numerous toys to donate. As she described how she pairs
some of her gifts together I knew exactly who she was. She was the mysterious person who would take the time to pair books with stuffed
animals and other toys that went together well. Last year she dropped a van and car load of toys off at the Framingham Barracks. Barbara
indicated that when her family fell on tough times her children received help from Toys for Tots. Her children are now in their thirties
and they, too, pay it forward by giving to Toys for Tots.

How to Donate

Anyone wishing to donate to Toys for Tots can drop new, non-violent toy(s) for boys and girls ages 0-14 years old at any
Massachusetts State Police barracks until December 16th. Ages in particular need are 0-2 and 8-14. You may also donate at our Fill the
Cruiser Event on December 5.
Those wishing to make a monetary donation can mail a check made out to Toys for Tots MA to MSP Toys for Tots Coordinator, 124 Acton
Street, Maynard. Anyone with questions may call the State Police at 508-820-2623.

For more information on the Toys for Tots program visit the program’s website at www.toysfortots.org.

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