1. Eugene Weller
(814) 234-9831
Elweller@aol.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CENTRE COUNTY TOYS FOR TOTS CONTINUES TO SPREAD HOPE
Every October, November and December, charities work to create an
enjoyable holiday season for their beneficiaries. Despite the growing number of
worthy organizations accepting donations, Toys for Tots is reaching new heights
in Centre County.
Toys for Tots is a not-for-profit program founded by the United States
Marine Corps Reserve. Since its inception in 1947, Toys for Tots has collected
and distributed toys as holiday gifts for less fortunate children coast-to-coast.
The organization works with local food pantries and other establishments to
locate families who might not otherwise receive gifts during the holidays.
The ultimate goal of the program is to send a message of hope to those
who may need it most during the holiday season, in an effort to help children
become responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.
In 1987, the local service organization known as the Nittany Leathernecks
– a group of active and retired Marines – began their first Toys for Tots effort in
Centre County.
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2. TOYS FOR TOTS
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Today, the Centre County Toys for Tots program benefits more than 2,000
children, regardless of their religion or denomination. Approximately 10,800 toys
were collected, sorted and transported to distribution points, while another 7,400
toys were sent, unwrapped, to other social service agencies.
It takes 1,000 Centre County volunteers four days to wrap and label the
toys. The process takes place at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center; the
operation is dispersed among numerous conference rooms.
Centre County Toys for Tots coordinator Gene Weller has been with the
program since it came to the area in 1987. Weller retired from the Marines after
23 years and now works for Allstate Insurance.
“I heard that something with Toys for Tots was happening from the
Marine Corps Recruiting Office in downtown State College,” said Weller. “I
spoke to the Captain in charge ... When I said that I would like to assist, he stood
up and said, ‘Sir, it is all yours.’”
To learn more about Toys for Tots, their efforts in Centre County or how
to volunteer, please visit www.lemont-pa.toysfortots.org. Weller can be reached at
(814) 237-3148 or elweller@aol.com.
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