LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – The Lima Noon Optimist Club is helping bring smiles to local children’s faces this Christmas.
Club members kicked off the 2025 Toys for Tots campaign by bringing in toys during their recent meeting. Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith and Allen County Commissioner Cory Noonan each read proclamations in support of the toy collection drive, which runs through December 13.
Each year, Toys for Tots collects enough toys to donate to more than 1,300 children during the holidays. This year, the Salvation Army will assist around 500 families in need. Organizers are encouraging the public to continue supporting the effort by donating a new, unwrapped toy during the campaign.
Each year, Toys for Tots collects enough toys to donate to more than 1,300 children during the holidays.
“It doesn't happen without the community's involvement in the program. You know that's that we ask people to purchase a brand new toy, an unwrapped toy, we place it in the bins, and then Salvation Army and other organizations, we probably help five other organizations within the community distribute the toys to needy children. So we can't do that by ourselves. We need the help of the community, so it's very, very important, very vital, that we get their support," said Paul Downing of the Salvation Army and the Lima Noon Optimist Club.
There will be more than 200 donation box locations across the area.
Your Hometown Stations will also host the Truckload of Toys event at the Allentown Road Walmart on December 6 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., collecting toys and handing out Kewpee coupons to donors.
