CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Laramie County Toys for Tots program helped Santa Claus out this year by distributing toys to more than 1,700 children in the county and surrounding areas, according to coordinator Wendi Henderson.
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots is a nationwide program where local volunteers collect new toys donated by community members during the holiday season and distribute them to less fortunate children.
Last year the Laramie County division delivered 1,596 toys to kids, which it defines as those 16 or younger.
Over the past few months, community members dropped off presents at over 40 Toys for Tots donation stations around Cheyenne. Program recipients needed to register in November to be able to pick up toys from local distribution centers in early December.
Each child was able to receive a generous package of gifts including stockings, a game, a puzzle and two books.
“The collections were slowed at the beginning, but they sped up toward the end so we had plenty of toys to give out to our children,” Henderson said. “It’s been a good year.”
Henderson also credits the more than 40 volunteers from Cheyenne and local branches of the Fleet Reserve Association, National Marine Corps and Navy Reserve for helping the program reach more children in need.
For more information about Toys for Tots, click here.
