Toys For Tots In Need Of Venue For Annual Toy Giveaway

Toys For Tots draws thousands of donated gifts for needy children every year. But this year, organizers say they don't have a space to do their annual toy giveaway.

Sunday, December 1st 2013, 11:33 pm

By: News 9


Toys For Tots draws thousands of donated gifts for needy children every year. But this year, organizers say they don't have a space to do their annual toy giveaway.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation say they held their giveaway at Crossroads Mall last year to accommodate over 10,000 kids receiving toys. This year, they expect the same number, but the mall can't do it, and they're hoping to find a large enough space in time.

Every holiday season, Gunnery Sgt. David Biermann stands for four hours straight on an injured ankle collecting donations for Toys for Tots. He hopes each coin and folded dollar will help make a difference for an Oklahoma child in need.

"This community here in Oklahoma is awesome. They come together to raise so many toys, so the only thing that we're struggling with is the warehouse," Toys For Tots organizer Brian Sims said.

Sims says the group is in need of large space about 5,000 to 7,000 square feet to fit thousands of children, their families and volunteers for their big toy give-away event.

"We're trying to get a place where the community doesn't have to wait out in the cold to get their gifts," said Sims. "All the other places we've called, they either won't do a short-term lease or they won't donate a space because they can potentially lose out on further business."

The Marines say they also need a huge space now to store all the toys people are donating in drop-off boxes in dozens of locations.

"To be able to put a smile on a kid's face and so many kids in this community," said Sims. "It's a huge event when you help that many people, you kind of need a place where they can all come together."

Toys for Toys collects more than 35,000 toys every year and say they'll need a spot with a lot of parking. Their big toy giveaway for kids will be Dec 14 and 15. The foundation would use the donated space until Dec. 20. If you'd like to help Toys for Tots, email okc.t4t@outlook.com

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