Volunteers sought for Toys for Tots campaign
Fall only arrived last week but Toys for Tots is already looking for volunteers for the 2010 toy drive campaign.
A kick-off event is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 7, at the VFW Post 8463 in downtown Cape Coral, but organizer Judy Bowler hopes plenty of volunteers will come forward beforehand.
Bowler said volunteers are the lifeblood of the toy drive, and that plenty of opportunities exist within the Toys for Tots effort.
Volunteers are needed to pick up and deliver the toy drive boxes; help with special events like football games, luncheons and parades; do clerical work; and fund-raising where necessary.
Bowler said that volunteers can help out just once, or for the entire toy drive effort.
“They might just want to do one thing and help out with that,” Bowler said. “But volunteers always get back more then what they put in, and it’s a great way to spend your holiday by helping kids in need.”
Bowler is also hoping that businesses will get in on the toy drive by not only placing a box somewhere on their premises, but by hosting office parties where co-workers buy gifts for kids and not each other.
“We’re encouraging more businesses to do events. Instead of parties, maybe they can toys instead,” Bowler added.
All toys collected in Lee County stay in Lee County and are donated to Lee County families, Bowler said.
She’s also looking for volunteers in all areas of the county, not just Cape Coral.
Families looking to take advantage of the Toys for Tots efforts should contact the Salvation Army in the coming weeks at 278-1551. The toys are distributed through the Salvation Army.
For people interested in volunteering for the Toys For Tots toys drive this year contact Bowler at 699-8121, or by email at jbowlert4t@yahoo.com.
The Volunteer Kick Off Oct 7 is from 4:30 – 8 p.m. at VFW Post 8463, 4709 S.E. 11th Place, Cape Coral.