DeLauro Calls for Community to Support Annual Toys for Tots Campaign

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today urged the local communities to support the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots campaign. DeLauro was joined by Jeff Williams, Executive Director of the Hamden/ North Haven YMCA, and members of the United States Marine Corps, who sponsor the annual drive.

Congresswoman DeLauro expressed her support for this program, saying "Each year, I am so impressed by the Toys for Tots campaign— from our local Marines, to the neighborhood businesses, to the individual citizens who donate gifts and their time. Need knows no season, and the families and children helped by Toys for Tots have had a particularly rough year in this current economy. I urge everyone to remember those families who need help, and to help make Christmas a little merrier for everyone this year."

Toys for Tots has been organized and run b y the Marine Corps Reserves since 1947, with the goal to provide at least one toy to every needy child. Last year, the program distributed over 16.2 million toys to 7.6 million children across the country, with more than 270 families in New Haven and Middlesex counties benefiting.

The Hamden/ North Haven YMCA serves as a drop-off location for the Toys for Tots program, as do all Post Offices. For additional drop-off locations throughout New Haven and Middlesex Counties, please visit: https://new-haven-ct.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.asp.

The photo attached is of the event, from left to right: Captain Theodore (Ted) Smith, 1st Sergeant James Knapp, Gunnery Sergeant Brian Musco , Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and Jeff Williams, Executive Director of the Hamden/North Haven YMCA.