Stevens Point, WI (October 30, 2009) – The Rotary Club of Greater Portage County is once again teaming up with the United States Marine Corps Reserve to sponsor the annual Toys for Tots campaign in Portage County.  The Rotary Club of Greater Portage County is the officially sanctioned Toys for Tots agency in Portage County. 

Since 1947, Marines have been making Christmas wishes come true for needy children. The Marines and the local Toys for Tots team works very hard to make sure every child in need receives a quality Christmas toy, but it would not be possible without the help of concerned community members and business leaders.

Last year the response to this campaign was fantastic, over 2,500 toys were distributed to kids in Central Wisconsin.  All toys collected in Plover and Stevens Point will be distributed through local agencies to the children of Portage County. Local social service agencies such as the Salvation Army and Operation Bootstrap are used to identify recipients and to distribute the toys.

A new, unwrapped toy in original packaging can be dropped at Toys for Tots collection bins in locations around town. To see a list of where collection boxes are located in Central Wisconsin, visit www.portagecountyrotary.com. Toys will be collected until Friday, December 11, 2009. Cash donations can be sent to PO Box 1073, Stevens Point WI 54481. Checks should be written out to Toys for Tots and are tax deductible.  Donations are also accepted online at www.toysfortots.org. 

If you know a child that needs a toy from Toys for Tots or your business would like to have a Toys for Tots collection bin, please call Jami Gebert at 321-3100.