The deadline to sign up to receive Toys for Tots in Lincoln County is Nov. 30. To apply, go to toysfortots.org/request_toys.
“If parents don’t have access to a computer, they can call me at 207-350-5623,” said Lisa Marr, coordinator of the Wiscasset campaign.
After Nov. 30, acceptance letters will be sent with a day and time for parents to come to Huntoon Hill Grange in Wiscasset to pick out their gifts.
“If any parent is unable to pick them up, then we will deliver the gifts to them,” Marr said.
According to the Toys for Tots website, the program began in 1947 as the brainchild of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Maj. Bill Hendricks. His wife, Diane, had made a few handcrafted dolls and asked him to deliver them to an agency for children in need. When he was unable to find an agency, she told him to start one. Thus the Marine Toys for Tots program was born.
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, was established in 1991 at the behest of the Marine Corps to help run and support the Marine Toys for Tots Program.
The foundation raises funds, buys toys, provides promotional and support materials, manages all funds raised and donated, solicits corporate support, educates the public, and handles day-to-day operations.
The Marine Toys for Tots Program distributes an average of 18 million toys to 7 million less fortunate children annually.
