Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was joined by the United States Marines and over 100 local school children to kick off the region’s largest toy drive for children in need.
United States Marines, dressed in formal military uniforms, joined with Toys for Tots Officials to announce the massive toy drive, with need for holiday toys expected to reach new records amidst economic hardship caused by soaring inflation.
Toys for Tots officials expect 2022 to present record need, as prices of essential items and holiday gifts are impacted by inflation. Holiday toy assistance programs rely on toy and monetary donations, which may be slowed as donors tighten budgets due to economic uncertainty.
The United States Marines Toys for Tots Program is the nation’s largest holiday gift program for children in need. Tens of thousands of toys from communities across Nassau and Suffolk Counties will be collected by individuals, businesses, and civic groups to be distributed by Marines to local children in-need.