Toys for Tots effort now underway

FALLBROOK — The Toys for Tots program is in full swing now. The program began in 1947 by a group of Marine Corps Reservists in the Los Angeles area to help needy children and has spread out to include all 50 states today. The need this year is particularly great due to the economy.

Coldwell Banker Landmark Group is the central location for the toy collection drive co-chaired by Abby Elston and Tess Hansford.

The Marine Corps Reserve at Camp Pendleton facilitates boxes, posters and space for storage until toys are put into the waiting hands of deserving boys and girls.

Boxes are initially distributed to area merchants that are eager participants to help with drop-off points. Many organizations have holiday parties and collect toys that also go to the program.

Agents at Coldwell Banker Landmark Group then go out as needed to collect the toys to help the Marine Corps Reserve use their time efficiently by picking up at one main location.

Fallbrook and Bonsall businesses that have boxes to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages are: Coldwell Banker Landmark Group north and south offices, UPS Store, Wells Fargo Bank, Anabelle’s, Mane Attraction, Brandon Street Salon, Daniel’s Market, Euro Fit Skin and Body, Fallbrook Library, Youngren Construction, North County Fire’s Ivy Station, Washington Mutual, Pacific Western Bank, Fallbrook Art Center, Denny’s, Fallbrook Skilled Nursing Facility, Temecula Valley Bank, Major Market, Regency, Olive Hill Nursery, Caffe Primo/Inland Bank, Silvergate, Albertsons, VFW, Senior Center, Fallbrook Tennis Club, Peter’s Auto Center, Mostly Windows, North County Times and Village News.

To make a monetary tax-deductible donation, arrange for someone to pick up toys or participate with a business or organization, call Elston or Hansford at (760) 728-8000.