Toys for Tots calls for annual Christmas donations
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MORGANTOWN – The Morgantown Area Toys for Tots is asking for donations for their annual Christmas toy drive from October to December.
The charity is sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the Earl Anderson Marine Corps League, 342. The foundation has donated thousands of toys each year to local children in Monongalia, Marion, Preston and Taylor counties since 2012, according to the local campaign coordinator, Christina Miller.
Miller has been a volunteer for the last 10 years, but stepped into her new role last year. In 2025, 2,511 children were supported, and 3,413 toys were distributed, according to Toys for Tots Morgantown Chapter
She said that the average age for children supported are between the ages of three and 12, but there is a lack of donations for children 2 and under and teenagers. She said the goal for this year's campaign is to increase toy circulation in Preston, Taylor and Marion counties.
"We try to stay in county lines, but one campaign can go for four counties," she said. "We just want to make sure that every child has a Christmas."
Donation sorting for Monongalia county is done through Christian Help. The sorting for Preston, Taylor and Marion counties is done in local warehouses, Miller said. Volunteers can find their local campaign at toysfortots.org/find-your-local-chapter/.
"Generally, most volunteers are for November when we're trying to sort toys and package them," she said. "We package toys for each individual that has applied for pickup."
To request a toy, parents or guardians can enter information online at toysfortots.org, by selecting the Request a Toy button. There are no financial requirements for qualification, but anyone receiving assistance from additional charities are asked not to apply.
"Anyone is eligible that is born. We don't do anything for pre-born, but once they're born, up to age 18," she said. "Anybody that needs help can apply; however, if you've already been helped by another organization, we ask you not to apply. So, if you are an angel through 'Angel Tree,' we can't service you through Toys for Tots."
Miller explained that businesses can support the charity by sponsoring a toy drive box or with monetary donations.
Miller said that the experience of giving a child a Christmas gift is unlike any other for local families.
"Last year, we had a lot of parents that were just so generally grateful to be able to give their child something when they couldn't," she said. "Not everybody will be able to qualify for Salvation Army based on financial records, but that doesn't mean that their parents can still go out and afford to purchase Christmas presents."
Miller is proud to be involved in her community and nationwide organization dedicated to bringing joy to children.
"One of the quotes that 'Toys for Tots' tells us is that every child is seen, loved and valued by the generous donations," she said.