KIRO 7 Cares Toy Drive: Family says it has benefited for generations

WHITE CENTER, Wash. — This holiday season you can help a local child when you give to the KIRO 7 Cares Toy Drive, benefiting Toys for Tots.

The Salvation Army says that this year, the need is greater than ever, especially with the skyrocketing cost of living.

“Last year, the Salvation Army provided toys to over 8,000 kids who would not have had a Christmas without the assistance of the greater Seattle community,” said Lt. Colonel Cindy Foley with the Salvation Army.

Foley says for her, the toy drive is all about giving back during hard times.

“With the rise of constant inflation, more families than ever will be in need, and we’ll need everyone’s help to make Christmas merry,” said Foley.

Deborah Tolbert’s family has benefited from the drive for generations.

“For many years, years and years ago when I first got divorced, my daughters — I have two — were this age and I benefited then, and with the grace of God my daughter has been able to benefit for her daughter,” said Tolbert.

Tolbert says she, her daughter and granddaughter all volunteer at the Salvation Army because it’s all about helping one another.

“A blessing. You see the little red kettles and if you just put change in there, it adds up and all that benefits kids like this,” said Tolbert.

“I feel lucky because I’m one of the kids that am able to get them,” said Destiny Longnecker, Tolbert’s granddaughter.

If you would like to help, you can donate a new, unwrapped toy. Find drop-off locations here: https://www.kiro7.com/toydrive/

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