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Work begins to collect toys for children in need throughout Western Washington

By Patranya Bhoolsuwan
By Patranya Bhoolsuwan

Christmas may still be a few weeks away but the work has begun to collect toys for children in need throughout Western Washington.

It's all part of the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots and our KIRO 7 Cares Toy Drive.

The Foundation Church is Everett now serves as a permanent warehouse for toys collected throughout Snohomish County.

Organizers say donations are up this year but so are the needs of people in the community.

“We are seeing more homeless families. We are seeing a lot more working class families who can’t afford Christmas,” said Mary Butler, community officer for the Snohomish County’s Toys for Tots.

Last year, the program collected enough toys to bring joy to about 47,000 kids. This year, the goal is to help more than 50,000 children.

Among the families getting donations this year is that of Linda Sanchez. She has four kids, with the youngest just 11 months old.

She says the toys program is a big difference for her family.

“Toys are not cheap. It actually helps me a lot,” Sanchez said. "It keeps the kids happy and excited this time of year.”

Last year, our KIRO 7 Toy Drive, which benefits Toys for Tots, brought in some 40,000 toys and more than $5,000.

Like every year, the toys most needed this holiday season are those for older kids. Things like games, electronics and also books for children of all ages.

Now through Friday --- you can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at the KIRO 7 studios in Belltown, or at any Albert Lee Appliance location.

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