Whidbey Island Toys for Tots needs toys

Published 2:38 pm Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Whidbey’s annual Toys for Tots drive is off to a rough start and needs help, according to event organizers with Major Megan McClung Marine Corps League Detachment 1210.

The toys are turned into gifts for families unable to purchase presents for their children, from infant to 18. Families then get to pick the gifts through the Readiness to Learn Foundation’s Holiday House. Gail LaVassar, executive director of the foundation, said 212 families and about 500 children would be reached.

From Freeland to Clinton, 25 locations have drop boxes for new toys.

Locations in Freeland: Cenex, Island Athletic Club, Ace Hardware, Radio Shack, Coastal Bank, Cottswold Collectibles, US Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Whidbey Island Bank, Linds Pharmacy, and Whidbey Telecom.

Locations in Bayview: Sebo’s Do-It Center, Neil’s Clover Patch Cafe, and Bayview Liquor Store.

Locations in Langley: Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club, Star Store, Useless Bay Coffee Co., Whidbey Island Bank, and Red Apple.

Locations in Clinton: Wells Fargo Bank, Whidbey Island Bank, Food Mart, Cozy’s, Island Pharmacy, and Jim’s Hardware.

For more information, call Bob Gabelein at 360-672-2404.