Green Country Toys For Tots Running Out Of Toys

Dan Bewley, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- With one week until Christmas a popular campaign that gives toys away is asking for help.

Toys For Tots has been making children smile for six decades. This year organizers are worried some kids may not find a toy under their tree.

There's a lot of hustle and bustle at the Marine Reserve Center in Broken Arrow. Inside several large bags are toys, from bikes to Babies.

That's sure to bring a Merry Christmas to a Green Country child. Toys For Tots is a yearly campaign sponsored by the Marine Corp.

The donated toys are given to individual families or non-profit organizations. A truckload left Friday and is on its way to children of the Ponca Tribe.

Staff Sergeant James Berger is the Tulsa coordinator and he's facing a problem.

"I'm keeping my head above water right now," Berger said.

He's running out of toys and the deadline to have them all distributed is approaching fast. He says it's not that they've had fewer donations this year, it's simply a matter of more people looking for help.

"There's just a lot of needy families out there with the economy the way it is and everything else and it's putting a strain on us," Berger said.

To give you an idea of how much the need for toys has grown; last year Toys For Tots gave to more than 900 single families, this year 1630 families have signed up.

The spirit of Oklahomans, however, is still on display. Employees at Warren Place donated close to 2000 new toys to the Marines Friday morning.

"It's hopefully going to help those families who don't have anything," said Jim Arens, Trust Company of Oklahoma.

Sgt. Berger appreciates their help but he's still worried about what might happen if they don't get enough toys to fill their list.

"Cross that bridge when I get there...I'll do my best to find a way to get them more toys," Berger said.

If you would like to help the Marines, they'll be accepting new, unwrapped toys through Sunday.

Click Here for a list of drop off locations.