If Daniel Abbott had his way, the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program would be called Toys for Tots to Teens.
Abbott, Toys for Tots coordinator in Clallam County, said it’s not just the young kids whose families need help providing Christmas presents.
Abbott said there are about 2,000 kids — including teenagers — in the county who will qualify for the annual holiday toy collection program.
“I spend most of my time buying toys for teens,” Abbott said.
The program gets toys to needy families to ensure that every kid receives a Christmas present, Abbott said.
“We have drop locations all over the county,” Abbott said.
There are 42 toy drop-off locations in Clallam County — 20 in Port Angeles, 17 in Sequim and five in Forks — where new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off.
The list is available at www.port-angeles-wa.toysfortots.org.
Live drop offs are staged on the weekends at the Port Angeles and Sequim Walmart stores.
Usually, a member of the American Legion or a Marine Reserve is on hand.
“Sometimes Santa Claus is there,” Abbott said.
Toys for Tots has live drops at the Port Angeles Walmart Supercenter, 3471 E. Kolonels Way, the next three Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Sequim Walmart, 1110 W. Washington St., will have live drops on the next three Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cash or check donations are also accepted. Toys for Tots uses the money to buy gifts.
“All money and all toys collected in Clallam County stay in Clallam County,” Abbott said.
“It goes nowhere else.”
At least two toys are distributed to every child who qualifies for Toys for Tots.
“It started in 1947 in California by a [Marine] captain and it has mushroomed up to a full foundation,” Abbott said.
Kids qualify for Toys for Tots through foster parents and a variety of organizations, including the Salvation Army, West End Outreach and Mount Pleasant Grange.
“We work with a lot of organizations,” Abbott said.
If a family qualifies, the number of children with their age and gender is provided to Toys for Tots, which is expecting a robust toy drive this year.
Abbott said the bad economy is driving up demand for gift assistance.
“Since I took it over six years ago it’s been expanding,” he said.
“It’s growing.”
Asked if he finds the work rewarding, Abbott said: “Absolutely.”
“When you walk in it gets you real quick — you have a bag of toys and kids will look up and say, ‘Santa!'”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
