Tractor trailer filled with Toys for Tots

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield-area combat veterans could not believe their eyes Tuesday morning when they came to the 22News lobby to pick up all the Toys for Tots Christmas gifts that you donated.

The vets filled a tractor trailer with the hundreds of bikes for boys and girls. They packed the thousands of toys and games that will go to needy children who live in the Pioneer Valley.

For the past few weeks, a lot of families donated what they could to fill the 22News lobby and production studio with Christmas gifts for kids. Army Veteran Michael Mann of Springfield told 22News that he salutes those who gave. “I know it's a whole bunch. When I saw it on TV, It didn't look like much, but I came down here I said ‘wow!’” Mann said.

Because of the economy and last summer's tornado, some of the vets were surprised that so many people gave so generously.

All of these gifts were taken to the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots warehouse in Chicopee. The thousands of gifts will be given to dozens of social service agencies, who will then distribute the presents to thousands of needy boys and girls.