Richard Wilson is coordinator for the local Toys for Tots program.
Pickens’ Toys for Tots Coordinator Richard Wilson at this year’s Toys for Tots hub at the corner of Mark Whitfield Street and Church Street in downtown Jasper. Donation boxes will go up in local stores the first of November. The hub will open on November 8 and be open through December 24. During that time hours will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Applications are avalable at the Jasper Police Department and the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office. For more information or to volunteer contact Wilson at 404-219-9624.
How did you get involved with Toys for Tots?
Toys for Tots is a Marine thing and being a Marine it just seemed like the thing to get involved in. When the local Marine Corps League took it over I spent two years as the Assistant Coordinator and the last six years as the Coordinator for Pickens County.
What are some things most people don’t know or would surprise them about the Toys for Totsprogram?
Along with local donations of toys and money, the National Marine Toys for Tots Foundation also helps out. If I see I'm going to be short on toys they help with the shortfall. They expect us to take care of our area but if we need help they are there.
Are there ways other than donating toys that people can provide support?
I'm always looking for volunteers both in the store and putting out boxes and picking up toys. Also, if you can’t donate a toy we do put out donation jars.
How many children do you serve each year through the program? What age groups?
Last year 2,243 children received toys. We have an average of over 2,000 children for the last six years.For the past two years we have been doing new born up to and including 12 years.
About how many toys do you distribute each year?
Last year 6,643 toys, 912 books, and 3,677 stocking stuffers. It’s been much the same over the past five or six years.
What are some common misconceptions about Toys for Tots?
The biggest misconception is the toys we collect in Pickens County go some where else. This is absolutely not true the toys collected in the County stay in the County. In fact as I mentioned earlier the Foundation even sends extra toys for the county if needed.
Has the economic downturn impacted the program at all?
I have already this year seen a decline in local money donations. Pickens doesn't have the large industry like Cobb or Cherokee counties so we don't get the large checks, but we still have children that need to have a Merry Christmas.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face running Toys for Tots? Biggest rewards?
We try to give every child a minimum of three toys, one book, and stocking stuffers. We struggle to do this. We need donations in both toys and money. Every child deserves a Christmas. Knowing that a child is going to have something under that tree on the 25th of December, and you know you did everything you could do to make it happen, it's a great feeling.
Toys for Tots receives monetary donations as well. Where do you buy your toys? Are you the one who goes shopping?
We buy most of our toys at Walmart on Black Thursday. For the past two years Amy my super helper has forced me to help and it's kind of fun. But she is mostly in charge of the shopping.
Are there certain types of toys that are more popular than others?
With out a doubt electronic games, but I try to stick to the more traditional toys, trucks, cars, dolls, games, and so on.