CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots has helped kids around the nation have a merry Christmas for 75 years, and for close to 15 years here in Clarksville.

Jo Kohler is the community organizer for Toys for Tots in Montgomery, Robertson and Cheatham counties, along with Christian and Todd Counties in Kentucky. “We are growing and growing; we just keep helping more and more people every year,” Kohler said.

Toys for Tots volunteers fill holiday family boxes with donated toys and gifts for children at Christmas on, Nov. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Toys for Tots volunteers fill holiday family boxes with donated toys and gifts for children at Christmas on, Nov. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Toys for Tots volunteers fill holiday family boxes with donated toys and gifts for children at Christmas on, Nov. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
A Toys for Tots volunteer fills holiday family boxes with donated toys and gifts for children at Christmas on, Nov. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Toys for Tots volunteers fill holiday family boxes with donated toys and gifts for children at Christmas on, Nov. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Some of the donated Toys for Tots toys and gifts ready to be boxed and delivered to families and children at Christmas on, Nov. 25, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Some of the donated Toys for Tots toys and gifts ready to be boxed and delivered to families and children at Christmas on, Nov. 25, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
A Toys for Tots volunteer fills holiday family boxes with donated toys and gifts for children at Christmas on, Nov. 25, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Some of the donated Toys for Tots toys and gifts ready to be boxed and delivered to families and children at Christmas on, Nov. 25, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Some of the donated Toys for Tots toys and gifts ready to be boxed and delivered to families and children at Christmas on, Nov. 25, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Some of the donated Toys for Tots toys and gifts ready to be boxed and delivered to families and children at Christmas on, Nov. 25, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
A Toys for Tots volunteer fills holiday family boxes with donated toys and gifts for children at Christmas on, Nov. 25, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Some of the donated Toys for Tots toys and gifts ready to be boxed and delivered to families and children at Christmas on, Nov. 25, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Some of the donated Toys for Tots toys and gifts ready to be boxed and delivered to families and children at Christmas on, Nov. 25, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Some of the donated Toys for Tots toys and gifts ready to be boxed and delivered to families and children at Christmas on, Nov. 25, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Some of the donated Toys for Tots toys and gifts ready to be boxed and delivered to families and children at Christmas on, Nov. 25, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Silas Meives, Jo Kohler, and Savannah Meives, show off the Toys for Tots banner while filling holiday family boxes with donated toys and gifts for children at Christmas on, Nov. 25, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Jo Kohler, Local Community Organizer for Toys for Tots shows some of the donated toys and gifts to be given to families and children at Christmas on, Nov. 25, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Toys for Tots volunteers fill holiday family boxes with donated toys and gifts for children at Christmas on, Nov. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Toys for Tots volunteers fill holiday family boxes with donated toys and gifts for children at Christmas on, Nov. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).

Kohler said in 2021 they provided toys and books for close to 3,900 kids. Each family gets a box of toys with items selected for children from an application made by families. The boxes contain gifts like stuffed animals, books, games, toys and stocking stuffers. Special needs children also receive appropriate gifts and toys.

Kohler said Toys for Tots has been looking for a permanent home for a long time and have moved their toy collection and storage operations to more than six sites over the past 15 years.

“We definitely need something permanent that we can use every year. A place where we can store our toys and just start up in October each year, so we don’t have to hunt for space, pay for storage, and that sort of thing,” Kohler said.

Toys for Tots donation boxes can be found in businesses and other locations where you can drop off an unwrapped toy for a child this Christmas. Kohler also talked about making financial donations.

“You can also go to our web page, toysfortots.org and find the local campaign, scan the QR code, and you can donate that way. It will go to our campaign and your dollars will stay in this area,” Kohler said.

To learn more about the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, visit toysfortots.org, or go to the Toys for Tots Clarksville Facebook page. You can also text or call Jo Kohler at 931-980-5889.

5 Star Media Group Toy Drive

You can also be a Santa’s helper for Christmas this year and help area kids have a wonderful Christmas by donating to the 5 Star Media Group Toy Drive.

Stop by from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9 and 10, at Walmart on Madison Street and donate a new, unwrapped toy to a local child for the holiday season. If you can’t make it out to Walmart, donate via our Amazon Wishlist here.

All of the kids are from right here in the Clarksville, Hopkinsville and Fort Campbell area and come from Sanctuary Inc., Toys for Tots, HomeFFA Foundation, Crisis 211, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville, and Radical Mission Compassionate Ministries.

Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is an ongoing Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.

HOW TO HELP: For more information on local charities, go to #ClarksvilleStrong.