Jason Halle, team leader, mentioned that he has gained a special interest in doing this sort of thing since his late father, a well known mechanic and Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department, had a heart for this as well. Both of Halle’s parents loved donating to Toys for Tots by collecting money from various places in order to shop for toys and donate.

“Aside from him being a volunteer firefighter, one of my earliest memories of him is Toys for Tots,” Halle shared. Halle also shared that places like the Seneca Nation, the Eagles Clubs and private donations have helped contribute to this year’s toy collection.

last week, which means about 500 children. There are more that have gone out since. There were about 24 locations for the Toys for Tots boxes around the Warren area. Children receive four to five gifts each and other items such as backpacks and winter gear are welcomed for donations as well as monetary donations.

“This was the first year that I had people sign up that had said to me that they’ve never done this before,” said Amanda Wellner, Toys for Tots coordinator..

Left to right, at the top is Spencer Cushner, Scott Baxter, Bill DeVlieger, and Justin McCracken. Below is Jason Halle and Ruby McCracken.

The second pick up is Saturday, Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. Those getting toys should remember their slip with their box number. Those who misplaced their slip should provide volunteers with their box number and photo ID to identify their box. Pick-up is at the Marine Corps League building on Jackson Avenue (the same location as the sign-ups). Toys for Tots asks those receiving toys to remain in their car for pick-up. People will be directed where to park and boxes will be brought out for you.

For those that signed up but missed the December 6 pickup, please email warren.pa@toysfortots.org.

For more information about Toys for Tots, they can be found both online and on Facebook.