Toys for Tots on the way to WMass kids

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The gifts you so generously donated to Toys for Tots here at 22News are on their way to thousands of needy children.

After dozens of combat veterans had loaded up several tractor trailers with the thousands of toys, games, and bikes, the items were taken to the Marine Corps’ warehouse in Chicopee. There, Marines filled boxes for 175 agencies that serve thousands of Western Massachusetts children.

Workers for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families filled their vans and trucks with the gifts that you had donated. They told 22News of the reception these toys and games will receive. “When the workers deliver the toys to the families, they come back and tell me, the parents are in tears. They're just so grateful for all the help they get so their kids can have a decent Christmas,” said Barbara Hendrick of DCF.

Because of the economy and last summer's storms, these folks confirmed there are more children in need than ever before.

DCF worker Debbie Belkin of Greenfield told 22News that her agency makes certain that the children get just what they've asked for. “I think it's amazing for these kids. We try our hardest to match up their wishes with the donated gifts, we do a pretty good job of doing that,” Belkin said.

In just a few days, every one of these gifts that you donated will be in the hands of children who otherwise would be without a Christmas gift this holiday season.