Program brings more than toys to those less fortunate
Bringing the magic of the holidays to children in need is as easy as dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at one of more than 170 Toys for Tots collection sites across Butler County.
Launched as a local toy drive in Los Angeles in 1947, the now-nationwide program, run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve through the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, has provided an incredible 677 million toys to 301 million children in need.
Machell Krumpe, co-coordinator of Toys for Tots for Butler County, said the need is urgent.
“Some of these families are between homes, dealing with domestic violence, single parents. Some are laid off from their jobs. Sometimes they have nothing,” she said. “These families truly need the help.”
The Toys for Tots program has operated in Butler County since at least 1967, Krumpe said, and has grown over the years. In 2023 alone, it distributed 17,601 toys to 2,265 children, according to the program website.
Despite its name, Toys for Tots provides more than just toys.
The program is run by volunteers who assist with collecting, transporting, sorting and distributing thousands of donated toys, bikes, books and more.
Clearview Mall donates space to store, sort and distribute this massive inventory, which includes about 200 bikes from Al’s Bike Drive in Allison Park, Krumpe said.
The organization is active and can accept donations throughout the year. In 2024, Butler County’s Toys for Tots supported the victims of disasters such as Hurricane Helene by collecting backpacks, blankets, games, coats and socks for children in shelters, she said.
Some Butler County supporters have found meaningful and creative ways to support the program.
Children at St. Wendelin Catholic School have been donating toys to Toys for Tots since 2013, when the Oakland Township school launched the program in memory of Carol Mitch, a devoted parishioner and school alumna who died in a 2012 car accident, principal JoLynn Clouse said.
The program teaches children the joy of giving.
“Our parents ask their children to give up a gift to someone who can’t afford it,” Clouse said. “They feel a connection to the children who will receive these gifts.”
Cranberry Township EMS collects for the program year-round at its ambulance garage on Route 19. In addition, the agency collects toys at special events like Christmas in July and Santa’s First Stop, a light-up night held Nov. 22.
Police forces are also in on the Toys for Tots action as they sponsor “Stuff the Cruiser” events across the county. Krumpe said participants include Butler and New Castle State Police; the Butler County Sheriff’s Office; the police departments of Butler, Cranberry and Adams townships; and others, with assistance from the 377th Engineer Company and Marine Corps League.
Those looking for a “new home” for new, unwrapped toys may consider the annual Toys for Tots holiday party sponsored by the Berkshire Hathaway Chuck Swinzinski real estate team, which will be held Thursday at the Brick House in Butler.
“It’s important to me that everything stays local,” Realtor Jared Sullivan said. “We wanted to find a way to give back to the community.”
Attendees donate about 2,000 toys, and cash donations are used to meet other needs, he said.
“Some years we might need more teen or toddler toys,” he said. “So with the money raised, our real estate team takes a day to go shopping.”
As the clock ticks down to the holidays, there still is time to get involved.
Toys may be donated through Dec. 11, according to the Butler County Toys for Tots website, butler-pa.toysfortots.org. Individuals can find drop-off locations by clicking “Donate a Toy.” Those wishing to donate cash or volunteer can do so online.
Where to ...
Donate in person?
The Toys for Tots holiday party, sponsored by the Berkshire Hathaway Chuck Swinzinski real estate team, will be held Thursday at the Brick House on Main Street.
Find a location?
Visit butler-pa.toysfortots.org. Find a drop-off location by clicking “Donate a Toy.”
Learn the deadline?
Toys may be donated through Dec. 11.
