LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Thanksgiving may mark the official start of the holiday season, but the Salvation Army got an early jump on preparations Wednesday with a major shopping trip for Toys for Tots.
Carts filled with toys stretched across the checkout area at Lima’s Ollie’s Bargain Outlet as part of the national retailer’s sponsorship of the Marine Corps–led program. The local Salvation Army selected gifts for children from families who have registered for Christmas assistance.
Many area families continue to face economic hardship, with more residents falling into the gap often described as the “working poor.” The Salvation Army and the Marine Corps work together through Toys for Tots to help fill that need during the holiday season.
Paul Downing, operations manager for the Lima Salvation Army, said the number of families seeking help this year remains significant. “We're right around 500 families. That equates to about 1,500 kids from the Salvation Army alone,” Downing said. “We help some other outside groups as well. We do Bradfield Center, we do Cridersville, Spencerville, we do some other areas, outlining with VFWs and other clubs. So mix all that in, we're starting to look at like 1,700 kids for the season.”
Those looking to support the Toys for Tots campaign can join Your Hometown Stations on Saturday, Dec. 6, for the annual “Truck Load of Toys” event. Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be collected outside the Allentown Road Walmart from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Donors will receive a Kewpee coupon and have the chance to meet members of the news team.
