Toys for Tots kicks off Saturday

FROM STAFF REPORTS

November 19, 2009 09:45 am

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TRAVERSE CITY -- Toys for Tots kicks off its annual drive Saturday at Great Wolf Lodge.

Beginning at 12 p.m.* there will be police and fire displays, caroling, face painting and refreshments. Santa Claus will arrive in a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter.

The event is free, but participants are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy.

Last year, Toys for Tots distributed toys to 6,000 children in the five-county area surrounding Traverse City.

Fox Motors, one of the collection sites for Toys for Tots, has already filled six boxes. You can drop toys off at 3258 N U.S. 31 S. or call John Cueter at Fox Grand Traverse, 929-6502.

Other local events for Toys for Tots include:

-- Nov. 30-Dec. 4: Toy Bus Week

-- Nov 30, 4-7 p.m.: Toy drive at Kalkaska Bill Marsh Ford

-- Dec 1. 4-7 p.m.: Toy drive at A. Papano's PIzza, 7803 Crystal Drive, Beulah.

-- Dec 2. 4-7 p.m.: Toy drive at Ruby Tuesday's, in front of Meijer, Cadillac.

-- Dec 3 4-7 p.m.: Toy drive at Gaylord Wal-Mart

-- Dec 4 8 a.m.-7 p.m.: Toy drive at Traverse City Meijer -- Meijer will match toys purchased from their store on this day that are donated to Toys for Tots.

-- Dec. 4 6 p.m.: Toys for Tots toy-raiser at The Terminal, 1669 S. Garfield, Traverse City.

-- Dec. 12: Fox Grand Traverse Toy-raiser, 3464 N. U.S. 31 S., Traverse City

For more information on Toys for Tots or Saturday's kickoff, call 933-0344 or go to www.toysfortots.org.

Clearing the Record

Because of an editor's error, this story originally gave the wrong time for the Toys For Tots kickoff event. The event is from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Great Wolf Lodge.