Toys for Tots needs assistance

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The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s mission is to assist in providing happiness and hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. Their main goal is to bring the joy of Christmas to as many needy children as possible by providing new toys and books when there would otherwise be none.

Although this is only April, the work involved in achieving the organization’s goal goes on year round and requires the help of many people and businesses. Jaqueline Brown, the Warren County coordinator for Toys for Tots, is asking for our assistance.

Brown has already enlisted the help of Kelle Barfield, owner of Lorelei Books in downtown Vicksburg. Lorelei Books will be the site of a toy/book drive on Saturday, April 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors who donate a toy or a book or make a monetary donation will receive a 50% discount off of a purchase. Toys and books should be appropriate for ages 2-16.

Brown said, “I cannot thank Kelle enough for her kindness and generosity, but we do need even more help from the community.”

She added, “Last year, we distributed over 3,000 gifts to over 1,300 needy children in our area and we’d love to help even more this year.”

Brown would like to hold a book/toy drive on July 10th, and is needing local business owners to help make this possible.

“We need a venue. A place to set up tables and collection boxes that has adequate parking and space. We will have volunteers to man the donation areas and we will be insured, so the business owners will not have to be inconvenienced in any way,” Brown said.  “We’d also need permission to use their business logo and images on promotional materials and our Facebook page.”

Brown is very confident that the event will be a success with Warren County’s help. “One of the best things about Vicksburg is the people. We are know to be the kind of neighbors and friends that come together when someone is in need. I fully expect to be able to beat last year’s numbers and make Christmas happy for even more children.”

For those interested in donating or volunteering, please contact:

Jaqueline Brown

(601) 589-0793

vicksburg.ms@toysfortots.org