Alyssa Ridenour
reporter@greenepublishing.com
Madison County's 6th Annual Toys for Tots program, sponsored by the United States Marine Corps Reserve has kicked off to an excellent start. However, the need for donations is still high.
Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart oversees the local Toys for Tots program and is assisted by President Edward Meggs of the Madison County Community Bank, Tammy Olive of the Madison County Sheriff's Office and Chief Financial Officer Kim Brandies of Charles River.
Many people are at a loss when it comes to finding toys to buy for kids in the program. However, there are several items that would be perfect. Suggested toy donations include: bats, balls, gloves, backpacks, wallets, purses, books, radio-controlled cars, cosmetics, bath gift sets, dolls and board games.
Toy donations can be dropped off at the Madison County Sheriff's Office, located at 2364 US 90, in Madison. Another drop off site is Madison County Community Bank, located at 301 E. Base. St., in Madison.
In addition to toy donations, the sheriff's office is accepting applications for families in need until Tuesday, Nov. 24. They are working with several organizations to identify needy children in Madison County in order to make their Christmas dreams come true. If you are interested in applying, you can pick up an application from the Madison County Sheriff's Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The process requires proof of household income, the child's social security card, original birth certificate, proof of Madison County residency and photo identification of the legal parent or guardian. There are no guarantees that every family signed up for Toys for Tots will receive gifts through the program.
If you are interested in making a donation or need additional information, contact Tammy Olive at the Madison County Sheriff's Office at (850) 973-4151.