The Tri-Town community is getting into the Christmas spirit by donating to those in need using “Toys for Tots.”  Old Rochester Regional High School science teacher Heidi Graser and her family are committed to bringing the program to the tri-town and surrounding areas.

There is a donation box in the lobby of the high school for students and staff to contribute to the cause. Donated toys are distributed to children in Plymouth County.  In the area, there are about 2,000 children who are given three toys each.  Graser said the goal of the charity drive this year is, “to have a surplus so next year we have something to start with.”

Toys for Tots, a national program, started in 1947 by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in Los Angeles.  Today, the organization operates in 700 communities in all 50 states.  Graser’s father has brought the charity drive to the local community for “six to seven years.”  This is Graser’s second year bringing it to ORR.

For the general public, there are drop-off boxes in Eastern Bank, the Marion Police Department and in Toys R’ Us.  If you would like to assist, new unwrapped toys for children up to age 12 can be donated until Friday, Dec. 20.