Requests from families are up as annual toy drive kicks off.
What would Christmas be for a child without a gift under the tree? For years, Toys for Tots has helped Northern Michigan families in need fulfill those holiday wishes. But now organizers are seeing something they've never encountered before.
"Typically we're collecting about 18,000 toys and we're distributing those toys to about 6,000 people," said Mike Kent, a Toys for Tots representative. "So to see a 20% increase in that need is very dramatic."
A 20-30% increase in the number of requests throughout a five county area. Family service agencies taking those names have counted on Toys for Tots for years, and
"We have an increased need this year with the families who come in. We have a lot of new families who are coming in this year," said Mary Vollink, Volunteer Coordinator for the Salvation Army. "Some have lost their jobs, some there are cutbacks. More sad, I think that they cannot provide for their children."
Organizers say Northern Michigan's program has been one of the most successful in the country, but a tough economy is changing the face of both those giving and receiving help.
"What the agencies are telling us is that some of the people who have donated in the past are this year asking for donations," said Kent. "Some of the people that have donated large amounts are not able to donate as much."
Organizers and agencies are optimistic the big kickoff at the Great Wolf Lodge will be a success. They believe the event brings out the spirit of giving, and even when budgets are tight, they can count on people in the community to do what they can.
"This is such a giving community. Every time we go out and ask, they are there," said Kent. "They see the need."
The kick off is Saturday, November 22 from noon until 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Great Wolf Lodge. Santa flies in on the Coast Guard helicopter. There will be activities and refreshments inside. It's free, but those attending are asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy.
Organizers add that if you need help this year, please contact a family service agency.
