CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The holidays are upon us and for families who might already be struggling financially, they could be faced with tough decisions when it comes to providing for their children during Christmas.
One organization that always comes through to help area parents this time of year is the Toys for Tots campaign through the Marine Corps Reserve. They've already opened up enrollment for this year's program and residents are responding in record numbers.
Even though it's the start of November, the local campaign said they've already surpassed the number of local children who registered for toys over this time last year.
Toys for Tots Program Coordinator SSgt. Nathan Gibson said the holiday season gives him and his team an important mission.
"It's one of the most important things we do throughout the year and possibly ever," he said.
Gibson said he sees a growing need for families in Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas counties.
"Whether it's just the families have struggled in general this year we do see a larger amount every year with just people needing help to provide for their children," he said.
Last year, they were able to get toys into the arms of over 15,000 local children, and this year is no different.
"We're expecting about 20,000 this year," he said.
More kids means a bigger need for more toys and donations from the community and a bigger place to store them.
"Big thanks to Bill Durrill, owner of Brewster Street, he donated for three months, October, November, December a 10,000 square foot warehouse," he said.
The organization got a head start in October, going out to buy toys at the Flour Bluff Walmart, spending $18,000 so far. In the coming weeks, the warehouse will be filled.
Last year, there were over 50,000 toys distributed. Parents must be able to provide proof of ID for themselves and their child to receive a donation, along with proof of residence in the area, as well as proof of government assistance.
"Just reaching out to the community to let you know we are here and that we don't want your kid to wake up on Christmas morning without a present under the tree, and we don't want to know it came from us, want them to know it came from the parents, mom and dad got to give them that present," he said.
Toys for Tots help children from infants to 17-years-old.
Registration opened last month and continues through Dec. 17. Residents can click here to request a toy or donate.
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