ORLANDO, Fla. — Toys for Tots is still collecting presents and donations to help make sure local children get gifts this Christmas, but time is running out.
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On Wednesday, the Marine Corps Reserve told Channel 9 they’re asking people not to procrastinate, because they still need all the help they can get.
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Toys for Tots organizer Derrel Bossett says he gets excited when he thinks of the young smiles the gifts they’ve already collected will create on Christmas day.
“It warms my heart when I think of my community here and what they are willing to do,” Bossett said.
Bossett says he started asking his neighbors in the Zellwood Station subdivision to start giving back in September. It’s been his labor of love for the past four years.
“The first year we had 400 toys…the second and third years, 800,” Bossett recalls. “This year, we have well over 2,000 toys. It’s catching on pretty good.”
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Now it’s time for the Marines to pick them up. It’s not uncommon for Toys for Tots to get a pickup call after their deadline, so they’re asking people not to procrastinate this year. Bosset says he already has his pickup scheduled.
“It’s been just amazing. There’s been a great turnout. A wonderful campaign,” Bossett said.
There will still be a number of ways to contribute in the coming weeks.
On Friday, Channel 9 is hosting our own “Stuff the Sleigh” drop-off event at the WFTV studios in Downtown Orlando.
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The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Donors can also shop online for kids in their own county, make a donation, or find a nearby drop-off location here.
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