LAPLACE — Oct. 1 marks the official kick-off for the Toys for Tots 2019 holiday campaign running through Christmas.

Marines and volunteers engage with local businesses, media and individuals within their communities to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those gifts to less fortunate children, allowing them to experience the joy of Christmas.

Toys for Tots is conducting 812 local campaigns in communities throughout the U.S.  Local Toys for Tots campaigns can be found online at toysfortots.org.

According to organizers, there is an estimated 15 million children living in poverty in the United States. The mission of Marine Toys for Tots is to bring the joy of Christmas to less fortunate children with the goal to deliver a message of hope that will inspire youngsters to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

Makeisha D. Barnes is the Toys for Tots Coordinator for St. John the Baptist and St. Charles parishes.

In 2018, there were 8,840 toys collected and 4,420 children supported locally.

The following St. John Parish locations have historically participated in Toys for Tots as distribution sites:

Rising Star Baptist Church;
620 Cardinal Street, LaPlace, LA  70068
Contact: Nina C. Santa Marina; 504-684-5412; info@cwmfoundation.org

Revelation Knowledge Outreach Center;
125 Ash Street LaPlace, LA 70068
Contact: Alfreda Devare; 985-287-2161; revelationknowledge180@yahoo.com

Choice International CDC;
516 E. Airline Highway Laplace, LA  70068
Contact: Keisha Fleming; 985-651-7844; choice516@hotmail.com