There are hundreds of programs all over the country that try and aide children of underprivileged families, and the Toys for Tots program in Nodaway County aims to do just that for Christmas.

Keeping the spirit of Christmas alive, Today's Civic Women and Community Services Inc. team up for the annual Toys for Tots collection.

Toys for Tots provides toys around the holidays for families who can't afford to give their children something special for Christmas.

While the organizations that organize these kinds of programs are a huge help to the community, Jennifer Pitts, Toys for Tots co-chair this year, said the program's success is based upon the community support.

"Please know how much Toys for Tots appreciates the community's support," Pitts said. "They are always so generous and Toys for Tots would not exist without their help every year — it is greatly appreciated!"

Children newborn to age 12 are eligible to receive gifts.

Toys for Tots receives the list of families who need gifts from Community Services, and begin preparing for specific individuals in October. Toys are distributed to these families during the second week of December.
Last year, Toys for Tots was able to provide gifts to 242 children in Nodaway County.

"I believe Toys for Tots is a very successful program," Pitts said. "Reaching over 100 families in need is wonderful. Toys for Tots is designed to help a struggling family, especially over the holidays. Every child deserves special gifts during the holidays. Hopefully, the toys given will relieve a little financial stress on parents during the holiday season."

From October to December members of Today's Civic Women meet on a weekly basis to collect, purchase and sack toys for chosen families.

TCW has already sent out donation letters to the community, and their collection process has already begun.

The community can help in the following ways:

• Making monetary donations

• Giving new toys

• Adopting a family

• Sponsoring a toy drive

• Requesting a barrel to collect toy donations

• Individuals or groups are also encouraged to donate books to help promote reading more among the young children benefiting from this program.
All donations made to the Toys for Tots of Nodaway County campaign are 100 percent tax deductible.

For more information contact Jennifer Pitts at (660) 562-3323 or Marla Pritzel at (660) 582-3330. Checks can be mailed to Toys for Tots at PO Box 102, Maryville, MO 64468.
Families who think they might qualify for this program should apply at Community Services at 1212-B South Main St., Maryville or call the office for more information at (660) 582-3113.