SANTA SCOOP

Toys for Tots Kick Off

To make sure every child has a toy under the Christmas tree is the core belief of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots National Campaign. This year it celebrates its 75th Anniversary. Locally, we celebrate Toys for Tots Northwest Michigan’s 25 years. “I can’t believe I’ve been around for that long,” laughs coordinator Mike Kent. Along with his wife Maggie, they dedicate their time every holiday season. Before COVID-19 shutdowns, the kickoff event at the Great Wolf Lodge with Santa’s arrival was the official start of the collecting season, with hundreds of families attending. It’s finally back this year on November 19th, though it will be not quite as big with measures taken to keep crowds minimal. “Instead of at the entrance of the lodge, we are going to utilize the convention center. There won’t be the usual door prizes as we required people to be present to win. But we are still hoping to have Santa flown in by noon by the Coast Guard helicopter,” Mike explained. One tradition that parents and kids alike look forward to is still happening, though: the allimportant free Great Wolf Lodge waterpark passes, available to everyone donating a new, unwrapped toy that day. Don’t forget the Toys for Tots drop off donation boxes that can be found all around town. You can also make cash donations on the website, allowing the campaign to buy toys in bulk and have them delivered directly to agencies. Toys for Tots works with nearly every human service agency in the region. Toysfortots.org

Maggie and Mike Kent