LIHUE —Time for getting gifts is running out. The Marine Corps League hosted a fnal push for Toys for Tots Tuesday afternoon at the Kauai Veterans Center. “We just had pickups and deliveries done to The Salvation Army, Lihue Corps,”
LIHUE —Time for getting gifts is running out.
The Marine Corps League hosted a fnal push for Toys for Tots Tuesday afternoon at the Kauai Veterans Center.
“We just had pickups and deliveries done to The Salvation Army, Lihue Corps,” said Norberto Garcia, Toys for Tots coordinator for Kauai. “We’re holding this final push until 9 p.m. so people can still contribute to help fill the needs of children.”
Garcia said when checking with The Salvation Army, they were still short of toys, especially for boys.
“We’re giving them a check for $3,000,” Garcia said. “That should help with their needs.”
The Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club turned over a sizeable collection Tuesday from its Toys for Tots collection.
“This is our second year doing a Toys for Tots collection,” said Shana Andres, chair of the Kauai Marriott toy drive. “We set out collection boxes from right after Thanksgiving where our guests and owners are able to deposit their contributions.”
Lt. Elizabeth Gross of The Salvation Army, Lihue Corps said the cash donation from the Marine Corps should cover most of the items needed to fill the holiday toy needs.
“Our Angel Tree needs are covered,” Gross said. “The County of Kauai adopted about 200 kids. We were able to place Angel Trees in several businesses in town, and most of those got Angels. We are very blessed.”
JQ Smith of the Marine Corps League said this year’s Toys for Tots campaign appeared to be slower than previous years.
“Usually, we get big pushes right after work,” Smith said.
Garcia said adding to the slow pace of contributions, there were fewer people helping, and along with corporate decisions, resulted in fewer collection stations.
“We need to get the younger veterans to step up,” Garcia said. “I want this to be my last year as coordinator. I can still help from home, but we need the younger people to learn how to do this so the tradition of helping children during the holidays can continue.”
