Giving to a child less fortunate is as simple as donating a toy to the annual Toys for Tots Drive in Schuylkill County.
The annual Toys for Tots Campaign through the Coal Crackers detachment of the Marine Corps provides toys for children ages 12 and younger so they can have a gift on Christmas. Volunteers will sort the toys prior to distribution from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20 at Life Centre Foursquare Church on Mahantongo Street in Pottsville.
Ed Quirin, chairman of Toys for Tots, said every donation matters, especially in this economy, as he stood inside the chapel at the Salvation Army, Pottsville.
Stuffed animals, sports equipment like baseballs and basketballs, and age appropriate gifts are some of the items needed, organizers said.
"I don't think that it's gotten better from last year," Quirin said of the economy.
Boxes are in various locations throughout the county, including Fairlane Village mall and Schuylkill Mall, grocery stores such as Giant and Boyer's Food Markets, banks and other locations. So far, there are about 120 boxes in different spots.
Donations are requested to be dropped off until Dec. 9.
Anyone wishing to donate after Dec. 9 should call Quirin at 570-429-0789.
The gifts are appreciated, especially when something unexpected and tragic happens.
"It's tough. It always seems like there's fires at Christmas," said Capt. Tammy Hench of the Salvation Army.
The gifts do not have to fit inside the box but can sit next to it if they are large.
Keith Laslow, co-chair of Toys for Tots, said there is even a box at Penn State Schuylkill.
"The kids do real well for me down there," he said.
In 2011, 1,300 children knew someone cared when they opened their gift, Quirin said.
Most of the donations go to families that have registered with the Salvation Army for gifts; however, some could go to local military families that might need a gift, he said.
"Whatever money or toys are collected in Schuylkill County, it has to stay here," Quirin said.
An effort has been ongoing in the county to participate in the program since at least 1975, he said.
The effort began in 1947, when a major in the Marine Corps and Marine Reservists gave out toys to children in need in California. Since 1948, the effort has been nationwide. For more information about Toys for Tots, visit www.toysfortots.org. Those who want to send money should send it to Toys For Tots, P.O. Box 98, Saint Clair, PA 17970.