Toys for Tots at deadline
Time is running out to register your child in the Toys for Tots program.
For the last three years, the Red Oak Police Department has spearheaded a collaborative effort among the Red Oak Fire Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency, and all of the outlying fire departments within Montgomery County.
While the deadline to register locally has passed, Red Oak Police Chief Justin Rhamy said you can still register your child to participate.
“If they wish to, they can go to toysfortots.org and sign up, but we cannot guarantee delivery of those toys through us,” Rhamy said.
For anyone wishing to donate to the program, the deadline for gift drop offs is also fast approaching.
“Dec. 17 is going to be the last day for any donations. That allows us time to get any remaining gifts sorted and packaged for delivery prior to Christmas,” said Rhamy.
Those wishing to donate can drop off their gifts at one of two locations in Red Oak.
“They can either drop them off at the law enforcement center or at the toy donation box located inside the Fareway Food Store. The toys need to be left unwrapped and in any original packaging they may have come in.”
In addition to gifts, Rhamy said monetary donations are also being accepted. Upon conclusion of the holiday season, any remaining monetary donations are then forwarded on to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.
Rhamy said the program is designed for any child or children within Montgomery County, and gift drop offs are taken care of as well.
“We will make arrangements to get the toys delivered to wherever the children reside. Gifts are delivered by public safety personnel. So if you reside in Red Oak, either the police department or fire department may deliver the gifts. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Montgomery County EMA along with the respective outer lying fire department deliver the gifts out in the county region,” commented Rhamy.
He added they average at least 100 kids each year who are given gifts, and they have had a fabulous response in form of donations, whether it be a monetary donation or toys.
“People definitely step up,” said Rhamy, “They brighten the children’s holiday season.”
Rhamy said it’s a fabulous feeling for him and everyone in the participating agencies to bring Christmas to kids who may not have been able to celebrate otherwise.
“One of the best feelings is when the occasions arise that the parents have the children come greet us and we actually get to see their faces light up with joy, when they see the toys we are delivering to them,” Rhamy said.