‘Toys for Tots’ Registration Begins Today

One of my all-time favorite charities is Toys for Tots. Over the years, I've had the great privilege of working with the Marine Corps League in this venture. I have to admit that working with 'Toys for Tots' has pretty much made my Christmas just a bit merrier each year. Marine Corps League #1157, along with The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department, and the Calcasieu Medical Reserve Corps have announced that they will begin taking registrations for Toys for Tots today.

The Toys for Tots Foundation and Al Worley Marine Corps League #1157 have approved all rules for participation in this project. Rules for acceptance or participation in the project are for all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap.There are some income guidelines for those wishing to enroll for Toys for Tots. Children between the ages of 1-12 are eligible for the program if they live in households with incomes not exceeding these Health and Human Services income guidelines:

If you qualify according to the income guidelines, you can apply at the Allen P. August Multipurpose room at 2000 Moeling Street, between 8 a.m. and noon and from 1-3 p.m. between now and November 2nd and again from November 6-8th.You will need to take some very important documents with you. they include:

• Proof of Calcasieu Parish residency
• Picture identification
• Birth certificate or social security card for each child
• Three (3) paycheck stubs or awards letter from SSI, VA, SS, AFDC, etc.
• Current food stamp eligibility letter (dated within 60 days).

Once the toys are collected, they will be distributed on Saturday, December 16 at the Lake Charles Civic Center from 1:00pm. to 5:00pm. Children must be present to receive toys, by the way.

For more information on the application and selection process, call Vida Riggs at 337-721-4024.