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Toys for Tots 2009 Christmas drive launched

Toys for Tots is giving Santa Claus a run for his money.

The Marine Corps' annual drive has increased its goals for the Philadelphia region this year because the recession and high unemployment threaten to deprive many children of getting a gift over the holidays.

This year's goal is 150,000 toys, up from last year's original target of 60,000, announced Brian P. Tierney, chief executive officer of Philadelphia Media Holdings, at a news conference yesterday.

Hopes were boosted by the overwhelming public support of last year's drive.

By early December last year, donations were falling far short, when the company that produces The Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily News, and Philly.com stepped up to the plate.

"This was 10 days before Christmas, and there were thousands of children who weren't going to have a Christmas," Tierney said.

A "toy emergency" was declared, the word was spread with help of newspaper and online ads, and the public responded big-time.

The final tally: about 139,000 toys.

Even more are needed this year because of the troubled economy, said Tierney and Gunnery Sgt. David Pierson, speaking behind an array of footballs, plush toys, dolls, and games in the lobby of the Inquirer Building.

The collection, worth $5,000, was a new gift from the company, in addition to $4,500 in other donations.

The Inquirer Building, at Broad and Callowhill Streets, and the company's printing plant in Upper Merion Township are just two of dozens of locations throughout the area - including schools, museums, offices, and restaurants - where toys can be dropped off.

Lincoln Financial Field will be a major collection point Dec. 20, when the Eagles play the San Francisco 49ers.

To find a spot, go to www.toysfortotsphila.org . For locations, click on "Donate Toys," and be sure to click "Next" in the upper right to browse for additional listings.

Money can be donated through the Web site or by mailing a check payable to Toys for Tots of Philadelphia to 2838-98 Woodhaven Rd., Philadelphia 19154.

 


Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.

 

Comments   
Posted 07:18 PM, 11/22/2009
janicemachamer
its beautiful that our country can help our children have a happy christmas .yes, virginia ,santa claus is alive and well spending so time with our military!!!not to mention our commerical toy ,etc. industry.i am not to well to travel septa on long rides to some offices i fore one have a 10 yr. old grandson and a 2 yr old niece across the street ,who is asking for u guys ! please sign me up at 2531 n water st. phila.pa.19125 i know i tried all the links etc last year but couldt make last open date to sign up in woodland ave office i needed a kneee replacement which i had done and am recoperating from and retired from news paper mail room job in 2002. i once asked for help when i lived in upper darby for my daughter and son now my daughter is a teen but i know theres an age limit she is 17 in feb. i was crying when the marines and sunshine people helped me. so now i volenteer at st.pattys day parade for last 9 yrs as a marshall. i feel funny asking again this year for garry age 10 a male, jessie age 16 for 2 more months, and my close neice all of 2 yrs old ,her mom takes careof her pop pop now that he cant do for himself .please help us once again have a oyful christmas. i also volenteered my services 1-2 days a week to help .at visitation school i help with the ccd clases the best i can. i hvae good days and bad.i am 54 years young plese keep my secret for i love to help but it took all year to plan to ask 4 help for myself and my 2. best wishes ! my phone is 215-970-4085 and my niece stacy with the 2 yr old is 215-423-0647 we use each other as alternate numbers she is skylor age2 female 2552 n water st phila pa 19125 .i have informed 3 other families to sign up at 2535 water there is a single mom of 3 a 3 yr girl ,a7 yr boy and a1110 or 11 yr old girl.at 2537 water st is 2boys age3,8and3 mons /girl-6 .but also a women with at boys 6,7,and 9 an a 16 yr.at 3620 genesse dr.19154 mom terris cell is 267699 6156.i had to tellthank you janice machamer@yahoo2154251833-h
Posted 07:19 PM, 11/22/2009
janicemachamer
its beautiful that our country can help our children have a happy christmas .yes, virginia ,santa claus is alive and well spending so time with our military!!!not to mention our commerical toy ,etc. industry.i am not to well to travel septa on long rides to some offices i fore one have a 10 yr. old grandson and a 2 yr old niece across the street ,who is asking for u guys ! please sign me up at 2531 n water st. phila.pa.19125 i know i tried all the links etc last year but couldt make last open date to sign up in woodland ave office i needed a kneee replacement which i had done and am recoperating from and retired from news paper mail room job in 2002. i once asked for help when i lived in upper darby for my daughter and son now my daughter is a teen but i know theres an age limit she is 17 in feb. i was crying when the marines and sunshine people helped me. so now i volenteer at st.pattys day parade for last 9 yrs as a marshall. i feel funny asking again this year for garry age 10 a male, jessie age 16 for 2 more months, and my close neice all of 2 yrs old ,her mom takes careof her pop pop now that he cant do for himself .please help us once again have a oyful christmas. i also volenteered my services 1-2 days a week to help .at visitation school i help with the ccd clases the best i can. i hvae good days and bad.i am 54 years young plese keep my secret for i love to help but it took all year to plan to ask 4 help for myself and my 2. best wishes ! my phone is 215-970-4085 and my niece stacy with the 2 yr old is 215-423-0647 we use each other as alternate numbers she is skylor age2 female 2552 n water st phila pa 19125 .i have informed 3 other families to sign up at 2535 water there is a single mom of 3 a 3 yr girl ,a7 yr boy and a1110 or 11 yr old girl.at 2537 water st is 2boys age3,8and3 mons /girl-6 .but also a women with at boys 6,7,and 9 an a 16 yr.at 3620 genesse dr.19154 mom terris cell is 267699 6156.i had to tellthank you janice machamer@yahoo2154251833
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