Convoy for Tots makes annual delivery tour to kids in need

It was a special day as the Capital Region Toys for Tots kicked off their annual delivery tour Saturday. This year’s Convoy for Tots was named in honor of one man who devoted his life to helping others.

For Patrick Lurenz, The U.S. Marine Coordinator for Capital Region Toys for Tots, it’s all about this moment…..the holiday convoy.

“It’s opportunities like this that we can actually take a toy and hand it to a kid in need and change that kid’s life for at least that day,” said Lurenz.

The 2021 Capital Region Toys for Tots Southern Distribution Convoy set off from Clifton Park heading all the way to Vestal to drop off toys to kids in need. We caught up with the convoy at their first stop at Duanesburg High School as they started their mission.

“Somewhere between 15,000 to 20,000 toys are going to go out and we are also meeting the community,” said Lurenz.

Lurenz says volunteers are critical to their operation each year and more than 70 people came out to help with the convoy. In fact, this year’s convoy is named in memory of Tom Disinger, a volunteer who embraced and embodied what toys for tots is all about.

“He donated hundreds and hundreds of hours of his time and expertise every year,” said Lurenz. “He was an Air Force veteran, and he was one of the many people that makes this program successful and do what it does every year.”

With many people in need this year, Lurenz says they are working diligently to make sure no child goes without a toy this Christmas.

“Santa didn’t forget them. Mom and dad were able to make it happen,” said Lurenz.