The United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign locally has faced a similar predicament as many other charitable endeavors this year. Because of COVID-19, donations are down significantly while demand for the program has increased.
“Unfortunately, this year, it is only two toys per kids, a couple of books and a pile of stocking stuffers. Donations have been drastically reduced this year,” said Greg Sims, the coordinator for Whitley, Knox and Laurel County Campaign.
By comparison, last year each child received four toys.
While the local campaign helped nearly 5,000 children last year, this year it is serving almost 6,000 children.