Tinton Falls Seniors Collect Toys For Needy Children

Residents of Seabrook, a Tinton Falls retirement community, are no strangers to giving those who are less fortunate.

That trend continued this week when the community celebrated its latest effort, collecting toys to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.  

Seniors collected about 600 toys that will be distributed to needy children during the holiday season by the Marine Corps. The Marine Toys for Tots drive at Seabrook was started 13 years ago by resident June Bayles.

Some of the gifts collected include stuffed animals, games, coloring books, dolls, educational toys, costume jewelry and dress-up clothing. All the toys will go to the Toys for Tots office that serves Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Somerset counties.

Seabrook resident Pat Driscoll donated to the cause and said the toys will especially help children who were affected by Hurricane Sandy.

“With the economy as difficult as it is today, some families, particularly those who have been severely affected by our recent storm, are finding that they are in a difficult situation financially,” Driscoll said. “Residents are more than happy to assist the children in need by doing something as simple as donating a toy.”

Seabrook Executive Director Art Sparks said, “Seabrook residents are delighted to assist the Marine Corps in helping them achieve their mission to provide toys for underserved children each year."

"Our community receives fulfillment in knowing that these contributions will put smiles on the faces of many this holiday season and we are enormously touched by the kindness displayed by our residents who consistently help those in need," Sparks added.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December for distribution during the holiday season to needy children throughout local communities.  Anyone wishing to give a gift to the Toys for Tots Foundation, or wants more information about the organization may visit their website at: www.toysfortots.org.