The long Thanksgiving weekend is over and we quickly move right into the Christmas season. The shopping frenzy has started with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. It is exhausting and somewhat frustrating when the focus is strictly on the need to save a few dollars. It does seem to me that some folks like the very act of obtaining a deal rather than finding that right gift for someone.
But if you scratch the surface, there continues to be evidence that people give generously to their local communities. I just became aware of a movement started five years ago called Giving Tuesday. The famous 92nd Street Y in New York City joined forces with the United Nations Foundation to put the focus on giving and using the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to kick off the charitable season. It appears to be quite a success and grows every year.
When donating, people like to see their contributions stay local. Here is one program that fits the bill! Since 1991, The United States Marine Corps Reserves has supported the Toys for Tots program where new toys are collected and distributed to needy families in time for Christmas. "The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted."
Thanks to Beth Armington at the Homestead Scoop & Gallery, Until December 10th, Lovell residents can drop off new and unwrapped toys for boys and girls seven days a week between the hours of 10 and 5. All of the toys donated will be collected by the Reserve Unit located in Brunswick and will be distributed in Maine.