At first, Steve Smith was a little worried about the impact the COVID-19 pandemic would have on his radio station’s annual Toys for Tots toy drive.
“I had no idea what to expect,” said Smith, general manager at WCNL Country in Newport, citing the downturn in the economy and more people being out of work.
At the end of the three-day drive, which took place in early December, people had donated 1,132 toys and $5,900 in cash.
“People you wouldn’t expect to hand over $100 bills would just walk up and say, ‘Here you go,’ ” Smith recalled. “When things get down, people step up, and that’s one of the things I like so much about the Newport area: that essence of kinship and community is incredible.”
In addition to bringing in more monetary donations, Smith said the quality of the toys donated was higher than in past years.
“We got more regular gifts instead of stocking stuffers,” he said. “It’s tremendous, it’s absolutely tremendous to see the generosity of the community.”
Warren Coughlin, coordinator for the branch of the Marine Corps League Toys for Tots Program that serves Grafton and Sullivan counties in New Hampshire and Orange and Windsor counties in Vermont, said it’s pretty much business as usual this year for the annual toy collection.
“You can donate a toy, you can donate a check,” said Coughlin, of Hanover. “Anything you do is fine with us.”
There are fewer drop boxes set up throughout the community, as some traditional locations are unable to serve as collection sites this year. Headquarters is at a storefront near Hubert’s Family Outfitters in Lebanon on Miracle Mile, where people may also bring toys. The site will be open until Christmas Eve. COVID-19 protocols are in place to keep shoppers and those who donate safe.
In addition to Newport, drives held by the Woodstock and Lebanon police departments have also proved fruitful.
“We had a great response in all those locations,” Coughlin said. “Everything that comes here stays here and goes out to local people, and we get additional (toys) from the foundation.”
Smith said the generosity reminded him of the years following the Great Recession.
“I’ve always found when the need is high and the economy is down, people donate more,” he said. “When the economy is rolling, I don’t usually see the donations go as well.”
Editor’s note: For more information about Toys for Tots in the Upper Valley region, call Coughlin at 603-277-1775.
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
