from staff reports
Children are busy making their holiday wish lists with the hope that they'll find "that special toy" under the tree. But with countless families experiencing tough financial times, many children won't find any toys waiting for them this holiday season.
maurices, a fashion retailer for young women has become a new national partner with Toys for Tots and will collect toys for disadvantaged children at its Meridian Crossings location.
All new, unwrapped toys collected through Thursday, Dec. 10 at maurices, 133 S Frontage Road, will be distributed to local families by Sgt. Joseph Killian, this year's Toys for Tots coordinator. As a special thank you, maurices will give those who make a donation a coupon for 20 percent off a regular-priced item.
U.S. Marines from Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron One on board Naval Air Station Meridian kicked off their local Toys for Tots annual campaign on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Geoffrey store, next to Bonita Lakes Mall in Meridian.
Marines collected 7,030 new toys last year in the community and hope to exceed that number this year.
Other locations with toy donation boxes for new, unwrapped toys are at both Wal-Mart locations, Sam's Club, Meridian Yamaha, The Radio People Station, the Marine Corps Recruiting Station, and H&R; Block locations. Boxes are also at Wal-Mart in Newton.
"Many families are facing difficult times," said maurices Store Manager LaLa Brown-White. "But we want children to still experience the joys of the holiday season. Our hope is that this toy drive brings lots of happiness and unending smiles to the young people in our community."
Gifts are needed for children of all ages. "It's so much fun to buy little dolls and toy trucks," said Brown-White. "But we're also encouraging customers to think about buying presents for tweens and teens who are sometimes forgotten. Things like board games, books, fragrances, jewelry and accessories make great gifts for older children."
"We're so grateful to maurices for becoming one of our newest national partners," said Bill Grein, Toys for Tots vice president of marketing and development. "Many of their 730 stores are located in smaller markets where there may not be a lot of programs for disadvantaged children. Their partnership will help us bring more smiles to more children this year, which is terrific."
More information about Toys for Tots can be found at www.toysfortots.org or call (601) 679-2407.
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