The holiday season is coming soon, and for Hammonton High School, that means the start of the Toys for Tots.

The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future. 

Toys for Tots is a non-profit drive organized  by Coach Santiago and Coach Flaim of the phys. ed. department, and has been at Hammonton before Coach Santiago was here. Santiago explained that every year they get more and more gifts, and last year they were able to fill seven boxes for the less fortunate. She explained that they hope to get even more boxes this year.

These boxes are given to the U.S  Marine Corps Reserves who then distribute the gifts collected from Hammonton High school all around South Jersey to kids in need. The Marine Corps come pick up these gifts on December 15th. Gym coaches are offering extra credit to students who bring in gifts, in an extra effort to bring more joy to the less fortunate.

Today, there are nearly 40,000 Marines, Marine Corps League members, veteran Marines and volunteers involved in annual campaigns. All of these members and volunteers hope to give these kids a special Christmas and some hope growing up. If you are looking to donate to Toys for Tots please bring all toys in by December 15th, all donations will be greatly appreciated.