OTTAWA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Putnam County Optimist Club and the Marine Corps Reserve have kicked off their annual Toys for Tots campaign. Last week, volunteers helped meet some of this year’s need with a shopping spree at Walmart, but organizers are asking residents for additional support to ensure roughly 600 Putnam County children have a Merry Christmas.
There are about 150 collection boxes around the county where people can drop off new, unwrapped toys. The program has been running for approximately 25 years, and organizers say they are grateful for the continued support of local residents and businesses.
“You want the kids to wake up and have a good Christmas morning. They'll have gifts that they probably wouldn't have gotten had they're not going to Toys for Tots program. So you know that's always a good feeling. You're giving them one good day for sure out of the year,” said Glen Arnold of the Putnam County Optimist Club.
Residents can also support the campaign through a propane fill fundraiser at Cherry’s Propane on Friday, Nov. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 30. Proceeds from the fills will go toward the Putnam County Toys for Tots campaign, with a limit of four tanks per customer.
Additionally, Toys for Tots donations will be collected at the Lady Titans basketball game on Dec. 6 against Toledo Central Catholic at Ottawa-Glandorf High School. The JV game begins at 11 a.m., and organizers are seeking new, unwrapped toys.
For questions or to make monetary donations, visit the Putnam County Optimist Club’s Facebook page or the Putnam County Toys for Tots site.
