Posted on Thu, Nov. 12, 2009
Toys for Tots isn't playing around.
The Marine Corps' annual drive has stepped up its goals for the Philadelphia region this year, because the recession and high unemployment threaten to deprive many children of the joy of getting a fun gift over the holidays.
At a morning news conference, Philadelphia Newspapers CEO Brian Tierney announced that this year's goal is 150,000 toys - way up from last year's original target of 60,000.
Hopes and expectations were boosted by the overwhelming success of last year's drive.
By early December last year, donations were falling far short, when up to the plate stepped the company that produces the Inquirer, the Daily News and Philly.com.
"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 from 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 down 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 West Conshohocken printing plant 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 also be a major collection point on Dec. 20, when the Eagles take on the San Francisco 49ers.
To find a spot, go www.toysfortotsphila.org. For locations, click on "Donate Toys," and be sure to click "Next" in the upper right to browse for additional listings.
Monetary donations can be made through the Web site or by mailing a check payable to "Toys for Tots of Philadelphia" to 2838-98 Woodhaven Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19154.
Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.
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