Toys for Tots

Donations collected helped put presents under the tree for many local kids in need.

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Photo by Kelly Prude, Pay It Forward's club sponsor.

The toys collected by Kickapoo students and teachers for the Toys for Tots charity.

   Toys for Tots helps bring joy to the children across the United States throughout the holiday season. Pay It Forward was collecting Toys for Tots for the Marines through December 8th. Students were asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to room 108 to drop it in the box. Toys for children between the ages of newborn and 16 were needed. 

   Toys for Tots is sponsored by the Marines. Major William L. Hendricks founded Toys for Tots in 1947. Since then, The United States Marine Corps Reserve has been carrying out this tradition. It started in the city of Los Angeles, California, and has become one of the nation’s most recognized and hardworking foundations. 

   “In 2021, 4,898 Springfield children received 17,512 toys. This is just the local impact that Toys for Tots has,” Mrs. Prude, Pay It Forward’s club sponsor, said. 

   The Toys for Tots coordinator is Sergeant Ponce, Jose. He is a Sergeant at the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department in Pomona, California. 

   To apply for a toy, go to Toys for Tots. If you have already registered between October 7th – November 27th, orders are scheduled for pick up by last name.

(A-E)   Monday, December 12th

(F-K)   Tuesday, December 13th

(L-R)   Wednesday, December 14th

(S-Z)   Thursday, December 15th 

   The pickup location is 651 West Phelps Street Springfield, MO 65806. A small token of appreciation will be given to everyone who donated.