2018 Toys for Tots campaign begins
CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. >> Two wellknown area entities have announced they are partnering once again to deliver holiday cheer to children across the state.
At a recent announcement, Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts) and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve celebrated the 10th anniversary of their partnership for the Toys for Tots Holiday Collection Drive.
The announcement officially started the Toys for Tots collection drive and signaled that that the U.S. Marine Reserves’ Dunkin’ Toys for Tots Train will return this holiday season. Powering the train of gifts and good cheer is Norfolk Southern Railway.
More than 10,000 toys were donated during the 2017 campaign.
Dunkin’ kicked-off the 2018 collection by making a $30,000 donation. The contribution will fund the purchase of new toys and winter coats for children in need.
The coats, which will be distributed throughout New York, will be collected and administered through the South Colonie Central School District.
Since beginning its support of the holiday toy collection drive in 2009, Dunkin’ has now donated $290,000 to the Capital Region-based Toys for Tots Foundation. Local coordinator of the campaign is Marine Gunnery Sgt. (Ret.) Albert Romans.
“We are grateful to Dunkin’ for its continued support to keep our holiday initiative running over the last 10 years,” Roman said. “We’d also like to thank Norfolk Southern for stepping up to help us deliver tens of thousands of toys to communities across the state.
“The enormous generosity of Dunkin’ and Norfolk Southern Railway, and numerous other local companies and organizations, will bring new toys to thousands of children in New York this holiday season.”
This year’s Toys for Tots collection drive will take place at more than 400 locations throughout the Capital Region, including more than 100 local and regional Dunkin’ restaurants.
The restaurants will serve as drop-off points for guests wishing to donate new, unwrapped, toys.
“Dunkin’ is honored to celebrate 10 years in support of the efforts of the U.S. Marines who are the driving force behind the Toys for Tots campaign,” said Dunkin’ Integrated Marketing Manager Eric Stensland. “Our Capital Region franchisees, op-
erations team and crew members have been helping bring joy to children and families for the past decade, and we are thrilled to continue our support this holiday season. Working alongside volunteers and partner organizations is an extraordinary example of the spirit and meaning of giving.”
The Marines will work with more than 200 community agencies to distribute toys this holiday season and will be equipped to serve 200,000 children.
Anchored by Dunkin’ and its Capital Region franchisees for the past decade, the Marine Corps Reserves’ Dunkin’ Toys for Tots Train, will travel from Binghamton to Delanson on Sat. Dec. 1 to distribute thousands of toys and winter coats to local non-profit organizations and children in need.
The second leg of the journey between Saratoga Springs and Rouses Point will be held Sunday, Dec. 9. Additional details about the train’s journey and toy distribution between Saratoga Springs and Rouses Point will be forthcoming.
The Toys for Tots Foundation receives further support from a number of companies and organizations throughout the greater Capital Region, including Auto Solution, SEFCU and Seymour’s Motorized Sports. Additionally, Starpoint Church in Clifton Park is donating warehouse space to serve as the home of the 2018 Capital Region Toys for Tots program.
Clifton Park & Halfmoon EMS and members of the Saratoga, Washington, Albany, Fulton, Essex, and Clinton counties sheriff’s departments will provide support to the Toys for Tots campaign also.
Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo will host the fifth annual Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department Convoy for Tots on Sunday, Nov. 25 to benefit Capital Region Toys for Tots.