Trending
IRON MOUNTAIN -- The Dickinson County Area Toys for Tots Campaign, run by the Iron Mountain Marine Corps League Detachment 1239, is conducting a virtual event this year. Because of health concerns, the League will not place donation boxes or donation cans in the usual local businesses this year.
With a goal of making sure every child receives a toy, "this year has presented us with additional challenges," said Michael Miller, the local TFT coordinator. "Most of our Marine Corps League members are in the susceptible age group or have other health concerns, so we needed to adjust our program."
This year's program kicked off with the annual October Longriders Motorcycle Club toy run and will conclude the week of Dec 21. This year, the Longriders donated more than 100 toys and $300. Each year, local MCL members collect and distribute more than 1,500 toys to about 500 children.
"We also spend about $2,500 to purchase toys for children in age groups not usually considered when donations are made," Miller said.
Businesses who still want a TFT Collection box or who want to make a donation of toys or money can contact Miller at toysfortots49801@gmail.com.
The public can make monetary donations in two ways. Checks, made out to Toys for Tots, can be mailed to the detachment's address at P.O. Box 216, Niagara, WI 54121. Or donors can go to www.toysfortots.org, select Find Your Local Campaign, select Michigan, select Dickinson County, then select Donate Local.
Taking these steps will make sure the local program receives the online donation. At the website, donors can contribute using their debit/credit card or PayPal, Miller said.
Families wishing to receive toys are encouraged to contact the local eligibility partner, the Salvation Army, at 906-779-5717.