League distributes ‘Toys for Tots’

The urban league received more than 1,600 toys to give away.

STAFF report

WARREN — Deborah Thornton of Warren is one of about 90 people who were able to provide children in her life with Christmas presents this year that they otherwise would not have received.

“My son is unemployed. His plant closed, so I’m doing my part by trying to help so his children will have a merry Christmas,” she said Wednesday in the Greater Warren-Youngstown Urban League office here.

Thornton was able to pick up a bag containing several presents for her grandchildren, ages 8 and 5.

It was the first year the league has been a distribution point for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. The Urban League also gave out the gifts at its Fifth Avenue location in Youngstown as well.

Wednesday was the last day for the gifts.

Teresa Hosey, the league’s program assistant, said the Marines provided about 1,600 toys to the urban league, and employees at the Macy’s Department Store at Eastwood Mall added 50 more.

The league made people aware of the giveaway by posting fliers at places such as the Metropolitan Housing Authority and the SCOPE senior center next door to the league office on West Market Street.

Toys for Tots provides a new toy at Christmas in the hope that the child will receive a message of support that will assist him or her in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens, the Marine Corps says. The program began in Los Angeles in 1947.