Toys for Tots campaign begins in Texoma

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Posted: 1:42 PM Nov 25, 2008
Last Updated: 11:04 AM Dec 3, 2008
Reporter: KXII-TV Staff
Email Address: firstnews@kxii.com

16 comments

First News at 6 story from Dec 2

Sherman push begins

Ardmore push begins

Live in Sherman

Live in Ardmore

A | A | A

CLICK HERE FOR DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

What is Toys for Tots?

Toys line the shelves at the Toys for Tots storage areas waiting to find a spot underneath the Christmas tree, but organizers hope for more toys on these shelves than they received last year.

"It’s like, you know, Santa Claus has come and that's what we want them to think," says Brad Stephens of Toys for Tots.

Last year thousands of toys were donated, and this year they are hoping to collect the same amount or more. Stephens says because of the poor economy, more children in Texoma need assistance this Christmas than in years past. He says helping area children changed his view of Christmas.

I used to be a 'Bah-Humbug' person. I hated Christmas,” says Stephens. "But since I’ve been doing this, I can't wait for it to get here every year because I love doing this and seeing these kids receiving presents. It's heartwarming."

Stephens doesn't want an empty Christmas tree to ruin the children's holiday spirit.

"Every child deserves a little Christmas, and we try to live by that."

If you would like to donate gifts, or would like to register a need child for Toys for Tots, call their hotline number 903-814-3324. The gifts you donate stay in this area.

How to Help

Always Better Care and Toys for Tots are working together to make the holidays happy for kids in need.

They're accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys at the Giving Tree in Sherman Town Center from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day.

Goal for 2008

The goal this year is 30,000 toys and 15,000 kids in the Texoma area.

This is the fourth year for the toy drive at Sherman Town Center.

You can drop off toys until December 21.

Drop Off Locations

CLICK HERE FOR DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Mary Location: Sherman on Dec 21, 2008 at 07:42 PM
I want to share what my child decided to do this year so maybe other will do the same next year. She turned 17 3 weeks before Christmas and this year she wanted to throw a big party and instead of gifts for her she asked for toy donations. The party was a huge hit and we donated around 40 or more toys to toy for tots. I am very proud of her for what she did and it would be great if more kids (who can) would do the same. It's a great lesson in sharing and doing something for others.

Posted by: Christi Location: Ardmore on Dec 18, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Our family has donated about $500.00 worth of toys. We seen on the news that they are in need of gifts for teenagers, could you please announce what would be good to buy them so we could donate some more things. I have no teenagers so I am at a loss as to what is needed for donations for them.

Posted by: Diane Location: Eisman on Dec 17, 2008 at 09:51 PM
I am raising 2 teen grandchildren (boy 14 and girl 13). How do I apply for gifts for them for Christmas. We are on a very fixed income and had a major car breakdown which took all of our available money. So far all we have is a tree. 12/17/08

Posted by: Cheryl Location: Pottsboro on Dec 16, 2008 at 10:42 PM
First of all, I am thankful for so many great people in the Texoma area that take time to help bring a smile to a young persons face on Christmas--however, there is one thing that makes me feel a little sad. Children watch the news too. If you are over the age of 7, you probably know what unfortunate means. No child should have to think of themself as an "unfortunate child or family". I would love to hear on the news that Santa or the Elves need help making toys so that they have enough for all of the GOOD boys and girls in Texoma. Just a thought from someone that wants every child to be happy this Christmas. Merry Christmas to all.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: sherman on Dec 15, 2008 at 10:07 AM
my kids are in need for toys also.. i signed up for it and they are really good about helping u.... if it wasnt for toys for tots my kids would have nothing at all . so i thank them so very much : )

Posted by: Stacie Location: Denison on Dec 13, 2008 at 08:50 AM
If you call the number in the article, He is a very nice man and will give you a place to call to sign up. the number to call is 903-814-3324

Posted by: jeannie Location: Bonne Terre on Dec 7, 2008 at 02:12 PM
i'm a mother of two butiful grils mac 3 emma,2 and i need help getting X-mas gifts for them i cant find a job in my town it has been this way for a year now.i have tried every where but pepole are laying off.so while tring to live on 246 a month plus living some where my kids don't like tis year there is no christmas for them so any help would be very great,maybe i will belive in x-mas again.

Posted by: Stephanie Location: Houston Texas on Dec 6, 2008 at 11:05 AM
how do i apply for toy for tots for my kids some christmas toys i have 4 boys 3 lilgirls i `m trying to get toy for you can call me at home at 713-633-6864. 5500 Desoto St. # 1601 houston texas 77091

Posted by: irma contreras Location: 908.n bradley ave okc ok 73127 on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:35 PM
i have 4 kids and a single mom that is struggling to pay my bills and provide for my kids,,this year i dont thk i have enough for christmas gifts especially for my two little ones,a girl age6,and a boy age2,please help me if yal can.it will make them very happy and me to see a smile on their face.thank you,,,,irma contreras

Posted by: shana lackey Location: sherman on Dec 14, 2007 at 01:43 PM
i am in need of help for christmas gifts for my 2 kids ages 2 1/2 years and 8 months. can you please tell me what i need to do to sign up for toys for tots. thank you shana

Posted by: Joyce Shadden Location: Town Center on Dec 13, 2007 at 11:40 PM
My name is Joyce with Always Better Care Home Health I am over the giving tree at the town center,working very close with toys for tots,Evey year we try so hard not to let one child go without a toy,Every toy we get in,stays in the area,there is a number to call for help it is 903-814-3324,The toys for tots trys so hard to get the right toys to the right kids,If you need any more info please call your local t.v. station and they give you the phone numbers you need.They do give you the number to call for help or you can go on line,And you can beleave that the kids or getting the toys,thats why we need so many.Because we have so many in need this year.so please if you have any thing you need to know,please e-mail me at alwayscare1201@aol.com and I will try to help any way I can.Thank you....Joyce Shadden

Posted by: Sarah Location: Lone Grove on Dec 11, 2007 at 12:19 PM
It says right there in the article to call their hotline to make a donation or to sign up a child...903-814-3324

Posted by: heather Location: denison on Dec 9, 2007 at 04:00 PM
You don,t ever hear about how to sign up to get toy,s.So how do we know that children are getting all of the toy,s.come on people ,let everyone know how to sign up ,before you beg.

Posted by: tammy Location: springer ok on Dec 9, 2007 at 10:24 AM
why does this not list where to sign up for the gifts. I can see where to donate but my children need the gifts...thank you

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 9, 2007 at 08:56 AM
Anonymous- how about some additional info? Folks don't mind helping out, but we would like to know where to send it to.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 4, 2007 at 08:57 PM
somebody help! a family in lane okla. their house house burnt down last week and they have 3 kids that need a gift for Christmas. please help them.