Miss New Jersey Kicks Off Toys for Tots Drive in Central Jersey

To help kick-off the American Legion Post 401’s Annual Toys for Tots drive, Cara McCollum, Miss New Jersey 2013, presented Commander Gary Cooper with children’s books. 

McCollum has always been a big supporter of the Toys for Tots program. Through her involvement she started a program of her own in 2008: The Birthday Book Project to “Give the Gift of Reading” to children in underprivileged situations. 

“I believe in the power of books, each one has opened my mind and my horizons just a little bit more,” she said.

The Toys for Tots program will be accepting new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 16 at American Legion Post 401, 148 Major Rd., Monmouth Junction, any time after 2 p.m., seven days a week. 

“We ask that everyone coming to our Post bring donations with them,” Cooper said. For more information or directions call 732-329-9861.

This year will mark the 66th year the program has run, with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Program distributing more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children. Each year this program grows both in drop-off locations, toys donated, and children receiving toys.

“The ultimate success of this program depends on the generosity of our members and community and their donations,” Cooper added. “Through this program, Post 401 and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves aim to unite all members of our community in a common cause, through this annual toy collection and distribution campaign, with the goal of giving some happiness and hope to less fortunate children in our area.”