Toys for Tots in final push before Christmas

The countdown to Christmas is on. That means it is crunch time for Capital Region Toys for Tots to get all the donated toys out to local children.

So far, 125,000 toys and counting have been moved into the warehouse in Halfmoon, sorted, and sent out to be delivered to kids.

“I have a fleet of six vans out on the road every single day this week and they’re collecting the toys, bringing them back to the warehouse and they are now being sorted,” said Ssgt. Ted Kleniewski, Toys for Tots Logistics Coordinator.

Sherain Rivera was volunteering Wednesday and will be handing out more than a thousand toys to local kids. She started her organization, Raindrops Closet for Homeless Families, to reach families who need help but might otherwise be forgotten. She knows what it’s like to be in their shoes, and is now in a position to help others.

“It makes me feel good. I go to the hotels, and I take care of going to the hotels because that’s where I was with my children. It doesn’t tire me out, because I look forward to this, during this season,” she said.

Also getting in the spirit of giving, were members of Team 13, some of which make volunteering a tradition.  

“It’s something I look forward to doing every year because it helps to remind you just how good everybody is in the region. There’s a lot of good folks out here who like to help those who need the help,” said Meteorologist Reid Kisselback.  

If you’d like to volunteer, you can learn more here.

Toys for Tots still needs toys for boys and girls ages 11 and older. You can drop off toys to the warehouse at the Halfmoon-Waterford Fire District, or leave them inside the firehouse during off hours. Toys can also be dropped at Clifton Park Halfmoon EMS.