Masons team with Toys for Tots
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The Toys for Tots campaign is a longstanding tradition with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, which collects toys for children during the holiday season.

This year, several Masonic lodges have joined the efforts, collecting on behalf of Toys for Tots.

Marv MacKellar, chairman of the Amherst Masonic Lodge 981's toy drive, said the masons have always been devoted to helping children.

"We do a lot of philanthropy work. There are people in need, and we try and help them out," he said. "It's all about the kids."

The lodge, located at 5808 Main St., near Evans Street in Williamsville, has set up a collection barrel. For drop-off times, or to arrange for pickup, call MacKellar at 208-5202.

He has also set up a collection bin at his office, Complete Home Care, at 60 Broad St., in Tonawanda.

"We are being active about this," he said.

The toy drive runs from Dec. 5 through 12, but some residents got a head start. MacKellar said he has already noticed toys appearing in the bins.

"This is not about promoting the lodge or the business; it's all about the kids," he said.

Unwrapped, new toys are needed for children ages 1-14. He said the toys will be distributed locally.

Lodge 981 is one of 30 in the Western New York area that are participating. He said the national organization launched the partnership, asking the individual lodges to take part.

The Marine Corps Reserve will be collecting the donations on Dec. 12.

"We are so pleased to be part of this great tradition of giving during the holiday season," Rick Gattone said on behalf of the lodge.

Lodge 981 also holds Hearts and Hands, where gloves, hats, jackets and articles of warm clothing are collected.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks, also of the Marine Corps Reserve, and a group of Marine reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children.

The program once accepted used toys that were refurbished by Marines during their off time, but it now accepts only new toys.

During the 59 years of the Toys for Tots Program, Marines have distributed more than 370 million toys to more than 173 million needy children.

For information, and other donation sites, visit the Web site www.toysfortots.org.