DeLauro Visits Local Toys for Tots Program

NEW HAVEN, CT (November 30, 2015) — The days following Thanksgiving have become non-traditional shopping days for many families. On “cyber-Monday,” Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) visited with US Marine Staff Sergeant Romeo Chavez, the Toys for Tots program coordinator for New Haven and Middlesex Counties, staff, and volunteers at the organization’s new warehouse facility to encourage local residents to contribute to the program this holiday season.

“The Toys for Tots program brings so much more than a toy to a child. It brings a message of hope to these youngsters and their families and it allows each of us to give back to our community in a meaningful way.” said DeLauro. “Whether you’re donating a toy, holding a toy drive, or volunteering here at the warehouse to ensure that the toys are organized and ready for distribution, I encourage you to take some time this holiday season to support this wonderful program.”

DeLauro brought her own donation to the warehouse and helped sort contributions while visiting with staff and volunteers.

Since its founding in 1991, the US Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has collected and distributed toys in the communities in which a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located. New, unwrapped toys are collected during October, November and December and distributed as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community. Over its life span, the Marine Toys for Tots Program has distributed over 469 million toys to more than 216 million less fortunate children.

The program DeLauro visited serves hundreds of families in New Haven and Middlesex counties. Toys and books are being collected at a variety of sites across both counties. Individuals can support the program by donating a toy at one of the area toy drop locations, hosting a toy collection event at their home, office or other venue, or by volunteering at the local warehouse. For more information, visit https://new-haven-ct.toysfortots.org.

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