SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — In Syracuse, local residents come together to collect and donate toys, helping the efforts of the Syracuse US Marine Corps Reserve for yet another year of the Toys for Tots Program. First Sergeant Michael Cucinotta spoke about the true impact of the foundation in the Syracuse community.
“We have 190 local businesses in the Syracuse area. Every campaign is a little bit different, but since at least 2012 we have given 400,000 toys to the local community,”
However, Toys for Tots isn’t solely about collecting toys. First Sergeant Cucinotta emphasizes the importance of donations as well.
“We’re always in need of toys, but we’re also a campaign that raises money in order to buy toys. All the donations that we get go right back into the community for Onondaga and Cayuga County.”
The campaign began on Oct. 1st, and is welcoming toy contributions until the week before Christmas. Interested Syracuse residents can find ways to get involved through the program’s website toysfortots.org.