Toys for Tots Shortfall Spurs Local Drives

Grayson County Toys for Tots says it faces a major shortfall — after distributing about 43,000 toys last year it has fewer than 2,000 on hand, with more than 3,000 children signed up and roughly 40,000 more toys needed by Dec. 20. Youth Ambassador Ava Turner urged donors to start giving now and suggested baby dolls and books for younger children. In Portland, KGW’s Great Toy Drive runs through Dec. 16, collecting toys at more than 300 locations across Oregon and Southwest Washington and online, with partners including iQ Credit Union, Fred Meyer, Ziply Fiber and local Toyota dealers helping distribute gifts via 150+ local nonprofits. In Warsaw, Indiana, Wings Etc. hosted its 14th annual Toys for Tots softball tournament, a fundraiser that has raised $183,000 over the past 13 years to support children in the Michiana/South Bend area. The South Portland Toy Drive is celebrating its 14th year with a collection event Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. at North 43 Bistro on Spring Point Drive.