KIRO 7 tours Toys for Tots distribution center

Sumner, WA—This holiday season, you can help a local child when you give to the KIRO 7 Cares Toy Drive, which benefits Toys for Tots.

The need is greater than ever, and together, everyone can make a difference.

KIRO 7 took a tour of the toy distribution center and talked with volunteers Wednesday morning.

It’s the 75th anniversary of the Marine Corps putting together Toys for Tots.

Coordinator Joseph Ortiz says he has been involved with the drive for 15 years.

“To be able to help and put a smile on a kid’s face when they wake up in the morning for Christmas ... it gives you a good feeling,” said Ortiz.

Last year, he says the Marine Corps collected 184,000 toys, and this year, it is trying to surpass that number.

“This year, the demand has been extremely high,” said Ortiz.

Companies like Papé and Neighbors Moving & Storage have been helping out with the drive for years.

“We’ve had the opportunity of working with Toys for Tots for, going on for about 10 years now. We love supporting the military, we have a lot of military families in our company. We also like to support the children in our community, so it’s easy to be a part of,” said Kelly Pritchard, territory manager for Papé.

“Being a Marine Corps veteran, this is one of those things in the community that has always had a special place in my heart,” said Joe Tranisi, owner of Neighbors Moving & Storage.

Both companies help get the toys to the distribution center.

“We will pick up truckloads of toys and bring them here to the warehouse,” said Tranisi.

“So, this is our distribution center, all of our toys come through here. Once they arrive, we get them counted, sorted and put them in perspective age groups,” said Ortiz.

Then the Salvation Army takes over and helps distribute the toys to families.

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

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