Toys For Tots drop-off boxes ready

It's not Black Friday yet, but for many people, the Christmas shopping has begun. Retired Marine Col. Ken Crowell asks everyone to remember those children who might not have anyone shopping for them this year. Crowell, who heads up the Toys for Tots campaign, has announced the locations of this year's drop-off boxes.

"Of course, there will be a box at the fire department," he said.

Other drop off spots include: First Community Bank, Corner Cleaners, Pirtle & Howerton Automotive, Cooper Steel, Century Mold, Shelbyville Power, Dollar General, Chamber of Commerce, Doak-Howell Funeral Home, and Arby's.

"We'll also have retired Marines at the Christmas parade," said Crowell. "People can bring their toys there and give them to the Marines."

The toys must be new and unwrapped, and in their original packaging, he said.

Although Toys for Tots originated when Marines would fix up old toys, three factors changed that. With the reservists being more active, there is less time to refurbish toys, and public awareness and safety factors made new toys the healthier option. Also, there was a self-esteem factor.

"Distributing 'hand me down' toys does not send the message Marines want to send to needy children," states the web site.

Firefighters have also had a long history of fixing up old toys for children in need and partnered with the Marines for the program, which has been in operation since 1947.

Monetary donations are also welcome, he said.

"If you give $1, we can turn it into $1.50," said Crowell.

Donations can be sent to Toys for Tots, PO Box 2187, Shelbyville TN 37162. Checks should me made out to USMC/Toys for Tots.

Here are some little known facts about Toys for Tots:

* The logo was designed by Walt Disney

* Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee and Vic Damone sang the first Toys for Tots theme song

* Celebrities who have endorsed the campaign include Bob Hope, John Wayne, Doris Day, Lorrie Morgan, Tim Allen, Kenny Rogers and Billy Ray Cyrus

* First ladies Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush both served as the national spokesperson for the organization

* In 1995, the Secretary of Defense approved Toys for Tots as an official activity of the U. S. Marine Corps and an official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve

* Over the 62 years of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children.