Toys for Tots has over 80 donation sites in Winnebago County

OSHKOSH, WI- (WISS) –  Toys For Tots provides toys and presents for children who may not have any this holiday season. Started as a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, all toys collected stay in the areas served. In Winnebago County, the Toys for Tots program is coordinated by the Winnegamie Home Builders Association (WHBA).

Jodi Vandermolen, Executive Officer of WHBA, is the motivator and program coordinator in Winnebago County. Vandermolen says the WHBA has been involved with Toys for Tots for well over a decade. 

“When I came on board we became coordinators with the national Toys for Tots program,” Vandermolen said. “With that, we’ve just been able to continually grow the Toys for Tots in Winnebago County.” 

Vandermolen said there are 82 drop-off locations in Winnebago County. They accept donations of any new unwrapped toys. 

“We are blessed in Winnebago County. We have so many people who support us so well. It’s unbelievable,” Vandermolen said “I mean, we’re just bringing thousands and thousands of dollars worth of toys. It’s unbelievable and just heartwarming to see how our community in Winnebago County supports it.”

One of the donation sites for Toys for Tots is BankFirst on Koeller Street in Oshkosh. David Rucker with BankFirst got involved because of Vandermolen’s passion for the project. 

“Jodi came to the mid-morning Kiwanis meeting about a month or so ago talking about, Toys for Tots. It was perfect for the Kiwanis group.” Rucker said. “Being at BankFirst, we are simply a drop-off point for Toys for Tots. We are just a part of a big puzzle at BankFirst to help with this program for Jodi.”

Vandermolen said Toys for Tots is more than just a program to give toys to kids. It is also a way to help parents who experience a huge amount of stress during the holidays.

“Everybody knows just how stressful it (the holiday) is,” said Vadermolen. “To know that you can’t go to the store and buy your child a toy?”

Inflation has affected the cost of toys as well as groceries and other needs. So at this time of year, the donations of new unwrapped toys is appreciated and needed.

“Just the idea to help those who need it is so fulfilling,” said Rucker. “The response from our BankFirst customers has just been amazing! Being able to help in our community and give back from those fortunate things that we have and have had is really a great feeling, especially this time of year.”

The deadline to donate toys at any of the locations is December 13th.