Toys for Tots campaign faces shortage

The annual campaign to collect new, unwrapped toys for children in need is just scraping by, said Toys for Tots coordinator Joyce Buckingham on Friday.

"We're feeling it in both directions," she said. "More people are needing and fewer people are giving. It's a sign of the times."

She said the warehouse was nearly emptied Thursday night but was restocked Friday with a rush of donations, including from the Capitol Police. However, she said, nearly all those donations were used up in that one day.

"We're doing the best we can, but we're scraping," she said. "We're keeping up - barely."

She said the organization has received about 8,000 fewer toys this year than at the same time last year. She said they served 5,200 families last year, while about 7,000 families are in need this year.

"The community is generous, but, unfortunately, everyone is feeling the crunch," she said.

Representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will be at both Carson City Walmart stores this weekend collecting donations.

Buckingham said they have plenty of stuffed animals and board games. She suggested gifts for babies up to 3 years old and youth older than 8. She said art supplies and sporting goods make ideal gifts.

For more information, go to carson-city-nv.toysfortots.org or call Buckingham at 775-884-2269.