As the holiday season approaches, you can be sure that the Thames River Detachment #1334 Marine Corps has been busy gearing up for this year’s Toys for Tots campaign in New London County.

Each year, Toys for Tots embodies the true spirit of Christmas by making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate children of our community.

Last year alone, 2,500 children in the area received toys and books through Toys for Tots.

But each year the need is greater, and this year is no exception. Reaching the goal this year has been made more difficult with the closing of one of our major sponsors, Toys R Us.

Community outreach has enhanced placement of Toys for Tots collection boxes in town halls, fire stations, senior centers, libraries, police stations, post offices and local businesses within New London County, all with the intention of helping the Marine Corps League get the job done. To host a box in your facility, contact Veronica Hoard, TRD #1334 New London County Coordinator, at (719) 332-8465. Or deposit a new, unwrapped toy or book in a donation box in your area. The toys are collected and sorted by the detachment and distributed to the children in time for Christmas, through local organizations that have vetted the need in their individual local community.

If you wish to make a monetary donation, checks may be made out to Toys for Tots, which is tax exempt (Toys for Tots Tax ID: 20-3021444) and mailed to Thames River Detachment #1334, PO Box 462, Uncasville, CT 06382. All donations go to purchase toys or books for distribution to children.

At a time when our country is immensely divided along partisan lines, one thing that unites us all is the children. You can help make a child in New London County have a happier Christmas this season.

Laura Parent is an associate member of the Thames River Detachment #1334 of the Marine Corp. She may be reached at parentjl@aol.com.