Four local businesses collecting donations for Toys for Tots

WEST CHESTER » Four Allstate agency owners in West Chester are teaming up with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to spread holiday cheer. Community members are encouraged to stop by their agencies to donate new, unwrapped toys for local children in need by Dec. 15. They join hundreds of Allstate agency owners throughout the Northeast in serving as donation drop-off sites this year. Thanks to their volunteerism, Toys for Tots will receive an $88,000 grant from The Allstate Foundation Helping Hands in the Community grant program.

“As a small business owner in Chester County, I see firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing our area,” said Allstate Agency Owner Lisa Wicka. “Giving back is tremendously rewarding and gives me a sense of purpose. I believe that when we help others, we can be a positive force for change in our communities, which is why I’m proud to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.”

Over the last four months, Allstate and Toys for Tots have worked closely to organize this multi-state donation drive. Together, they have rallied communities across the Northeast to give back to families in need.

“Finding a present under the tree on Christmas morning is an experience every child deserves,” said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Allstate has certainly done more than its fair share to help us bring that joy to children whose families have suffered so much. This has been an especially difficult year to raise corporate funds and toy donations, so Allstate’s support of the Marine Toys for Tots program region-wide is a real godsend.”

Donations are being collected at the following local Allstate agencies:

• David Livoy: 121 Turner Lane, West Chester, PA 19380

• Joela Powell: 1519 McDaniel Drive, West Chester, PA 19380

• Lisa Wicka: 513 East Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380

• Terri Smith: 907 E Boot Road, West Chester, PA 19380

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is one of thousands of organizations this year that will receive Allstate Foundation Helping Hands in the Community grants secured by agency owners and financial specialists on behalf of the nonprofit where they volunteer. The grants support organizations addressing youth empowerment, domestic violence, disaster preparedness, hunger and other causes.