Marlborough Girl Asks for Toys for Tots Instead of Birthday Gifts

A local seven year old asked for Toys for Tots donations rather than birthday presents for herself.

The one thing seven year-old Bethany Gibson wanted for her December birthday was gifts for others, in the form of unwrapped toys to be donated to Toys for Tots. "Bethany has a lot of compassion for people," said her father Mike. As birthday plans were being made, Bethany asked that her guests bring unwrapped presents to be given to other children "so kids can have toys," she said. Bethany had previously learned through the family's church that some children do not get toys during the holidays, said Bethany's mother Robin. However, Bethany remembered this and asked to do something about it all on her own. "She's always had a very giving nature to her," said Robin who explained Bethany wanted other children to be happy and have lots of fun …

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Toys for Tots Collection on Saturday

New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off local Toys 'R Us locations, including in Framingham, on Saturday.

The following was submitted by the Massachusetts State Police. As part of our ongoing support of the United States Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots, Massachusetts State Police troopers will be at the following Toys 'R Us locations this Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Massachusetts State Police third annual "Fill the Cruiser" day. Toys 'R Us customers who wish to donate a new, unwrapped toy to the Toys for Tots program can purchase one inside the store and put it into the cruiser on their way out. "Fill the Cruiser" Toys 'R' Us locations are as follow:

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Commerce Bank Accepting 'Toys For Tots'

The bank's annual holiday drive runs through Dec. 14.

Thanksgiving ushers in a season of joy and remembering to be thankful for everything you have. Giving so that others can have a warm holiday season is another hallmark of the holidays. Commerce Bank again hopes visitors invest in kids this holiday season. Thirteen Commerce offices in Central Mass. are collecting toys for the bank's annual "Toys for Tots" drive, which supports the Worcester County Marine Corps Reserve's "Toys for Tots" program, bank officials said in a press release today. These Commerce branches will accept new, unwrapped toys until Friday, Dec. 14:

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 19

The Toys for Tots deadline has been extended until this evening and the program really needs your help!

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1. Make sure you are bundled up tomorrow morning when you head out to work. The National Weather Service is predicting a low of 12 degrees tonight.  2. Members of the Massachusetts State Police and United States Marine Corps Reserve have moved the deadline for Toys for Tots donations to Monday evening, Dec. 19 due to a lower than expected turnout. "Unfortunately, with today’s tough economic times, the public’s help is needed more than ever. Donations are down across the state and the warehouses are nearly empty. The fear is that donation requests for needy families …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 15

Toys for Tots needs your help before the end of day tomorrow or else a lot of needy families are going to go without this holiday season.

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1. Temps will be on the rise this morning, but be aware that you could be facing some rain on the ride to work, says the National Weather Service.  2. Members of the Massachusetts State Police and United States Marine Corps Reserve urged the public on Wednesday to support the Toys for Tots Program through donations of toys or money. "Unfortunately, with today’s tough economic times, the public’s help is needed more than ever. Donations are down across the state and the warehouses are nearly empty. The fear is that donation requests for needy families will go unfilled. …

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Josh Gray

2:38 pm on Thursday, December 15, 2011

You've got it, Brooke!   more ›

Patch Facts

5 Places to Donate Locally

Here are some ways you can give back to the Marlborough community during the holiday season.

1. Hannaford's Helps Fight Hunger Program: This program makes it easy for customers to donate food and money in three ways. For more information, visit the Hannaford website. • Buy One, Give One (now until Dec. 18): For each 10.5-10.75 oz. can of My Essentials brand Chicken Noodle or Tomato condensed soups purchased, Hannaford's is donating one to a regional food bank. • Hannaford Helping Hands (now until Dec. 31): Customers can purchase a box for $10. This box is filled with groceries most in need by local food pantries (boxed macaroni, peanut butter, canned meat, etc.). Hannaford's has a daily pick-up of these boxes and the customer has the option of writing his or her name on the box. It is also possible to deliver the box to the local …

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