WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- The economy is struggling to pull out of a recession, unemployment is rampant, and Christmas is almost here. That's where Toys for Tots comes in and it looks like it's going to be a very busy year.
If the scene in Orlando was any indication, you can bet Santa will have his hands full this holiday season. A massive line to sign up for Toys for Tots snaked its way through a parking lot. This is a sure sign of the times on how stressed families are right now. 20 kiosks helped register 1,000 kids per hour.
Many families huddled in blankets overnight just to get a head start when the doors opened. Officials hope to hand out over 25,000 toys to kids this year.
In Palm Beach the campaign is underway in the tightest of times. Toys for Tots kicked off their season at a fundraiser at Coco Palm Beach. Unwrapped toys were donated by Marine Industries Association members and Palm Beach Boat Parade sponsors.
"Surprisingly last year was a struggle and we anticipate this year being another struggle and we see the folks that are digging deeper working harder at putting out toys," says George Carter of the Marine Industries Association.
The goal for 2009 is to collect 15,000 toys for needy children in Palm Beach County and they'll need all the help they can get cause donations are down. If you would like to donate to Toys for Tots
click here.
