Toys for Tots holiday convoy stops in Spa City
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> The allnew Capital Region Toys for Tots Northern New York Sheriffs Coalition Road Train hit the road over the weekend to deliver holiday cheer to children across the state.
The holiday convoy, made possible by a $30,000 contribution from Dunkin’ to the Toys for Tots Foundation, kicked-off in Saratoga Springs and included stops in Fort Edward, Ticonderoga, Lewis, Keeseville and Rouses Point.
Six tractor trailers carried thousands of toys and winter coats to these communities, where Dunkin’ franchisees and volunteers joined U.S. Marine Corps Reserve volunteers as they traversed the state to deliver the items to local non-profit organizations and children in need
Since beginning its support of the holiday toy collection drive in 2009, Dunkin’ has donated nearly $300,000 to the Capital Region-based Toys for Tots Foundation.
“We appreciate the continued support and dedication from our community partner Dunkin’ and its franchisees, who have helped to keep our annual holiday delivery running over the last 10 years,” said Marine Gunnery Sgt.
(Ret) Albert Roman, local coordinator of the Capital Region Toys for Tots campaign, in a press release. “The holiday season is all about giving back to our communities and the generosity from Dunkin’ and numerous other local companies is a true example of what it means to give back.”
Dunkin’ also warmed up the volunteers and families at select stops with complimentary hot chocolate and baked goods.
“Dunkin’ is honored to support the Marines and local law enforcement as they bring joy to children in need through this critical holiday tradition,” said Eric Stensland, integrated marketing manager for Dunkin’, in the release. “We are honored to continue our decade of support and happy to be a part of this extraordinary effort that has such a vital impact on families in our community.”
Led by a police escort from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Capital Region Toys for Tots Northern New York Sheriffs Coalition Road Train also received support from local 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.
Numerous local companies and organizations also donated the use of tractor trailers for the Sunday expedition.
The holiday convoy was the second leg of the annual toy distribution throughout upstate New York. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserves’ Dunkin’ Toys for Tots Train hit the rails on Saturday, Dec. 1 with stops in Bainbridge, Oneonta, Cobleskill and Delanson.
Along with many valued contributors to the campaign, the Wayne Wagner family is donating warehouse space in Clifton Park to serve as the home of the 2018 Capital Region Toys for Tots program.
The U.S. Marines have worked with more than 200 community agencies to distribute toys this holiday season and are equipped to serve 200,000 children.