Toys for Tots Lakeshore Coordinator Mark Peterson knows that teachers often have no choice but to spend their own money to purchase supplies for their students and classrooms. That is why he was so happy to drop off teacher “care packages” to all APS elementary buildings last week.
“Toys for Tots gives just a little bit to take the hurt out,” he said. While many people assume Toys for Tots is only a Christmastime charity, the organization actually works throughout the year to provide assistance when needed.
Using a monetary gift from the United States Marine Corps, Toys for Tots was able to purchase markers, crayons, pencils, scissors, and other much-needed classroom supplies for teachers.
As members of the Marine Corps Reserve, Mr. Peterson and his wife, Michelle, knew that the Marines would be willing to offer assistance. “We asked them for help, and they gave us cash,” he said. “We went to the stores and bought all kinds of stuff.” Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have been tirelessly working to deliver dozens of boxes of supplies over the past couple of weeks to schools throughout Allegan and Van Buren Counties.
If you look inside some of those boxes, you will quickly learn that it isn’t just the teachers that will benefit from the generosity of others. As part of Toys for Tots’ literacy program, national companies donated boxes of a brand new book that will be distributed to every elementary student after Thanksgiving to help make holidays a little brighter. “They send these donations to us because we know the school districts,” Mr. Peterson said. “This will help support (Allegan’s) literacy program.”
Last year alone, the Lakeshore Toys for Tots group donated over 46,000 toys to underprivileged children. Mr. Peterson is proud to be a part of an organization that makes such a meaningful difference in local communities. “This is how we give back,” he said.
