Toys for Tots convoys planned for Sunday
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> A Convoy for Tots comprised of vehicles from local businesses, civic groups and emergency services agencies will travel from Ballston Spa to Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s main parking lot on Sunday, arriving at about 10:45 a.m.
The event, now in its fifth year, is a joint effort between Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and Capital Region Toys for Tots, which helps less fortunate children during the holiday season.
It is the single largest event for Capital Region Toys for Tots, and has resulted in the donation of more than 37,000 toys to area families.
In related new activity, on Sunday, Dec. 9, a convoy of six tractor-trailers carrying thousands of toys will begin in Saratoga Springs and head north with stops in Fort Edward, Ticonderoga, Lewis, Keeseville and Rouses Point.
The convoy will visit Maple Avenue Middle School at 9 a.m.
This project is called the Capital Region Toys for Toys Northern New York Sheriffs Coalition Road Train, held in partnership with Dunkin’ and Upstate Transit of Saratoga.
“Once again the community came together to make sure we didn’t fail,” said U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. (ret.) Albert Roman, local Toys for Tots coordinator. “The power of this community is so tremendous.”
Led by a police escort from Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the convoy will be supported by law enforcement officials in each town along its journey, including the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Essex County Sheriff’s Office and Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo said, “It’s extremely exciting to be able to provide the support and coordination needed to allow the Marines and Capital Region Toys for Tots to complete their mission of delivering toys to these locations reaching as far as the Canadian Border.”
Numerous local companies and organizations will donate the use of tractor trailers for the expedition, including Auto Solutions, Borwegen Trucking, Dunkin’, Freihofer’s, R.H. Weisheit Trucking and Roberts Towing and Recovery.
Dozens of volunteers, who distribute toys at various stops, will be transported alongside the trucks on passenger buses, courtesy of Upstate Transit of Saratoga.
This year’s Toys for Tots collection drive is currently underway at more than 400 locations throughout the Capital Region, including more than 100 local and regional Dunkin’ restaurants, which serve as drop-off points for guests wishing to donate new, unwrapped toys.
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.