Toys for Tots requests up more than 40% over last year

Toys for Tots groups in some areas are seeing a more than 40% increase is requests over last year, a situation they say stems from a number of economic factors.

“There’s a higher need for gifts for families in need,” said Jennifer Neilen, Allegheny Valley chapter Toys for Tots coordinator. “Donations are definitely needed more this year than ever before.”

The Allegheny Valley chapter has seen a 43% increase in children signed up to receive toys, from 1,928 last year to 2,759 this year, Neilen said.

The chapter, based in Springdale, serves families in northeast Allegheny County, southern Armstrong County, southeast Butler County and northwest Westmoreland County.

Involved for about 11 years, Neilen has been its coordinator for three years, taking over from her father, Fred Neilen, after his death in 2021.

Neilen said she remembers when the chapter would serve only about 800 kids.

The increased need, she said, comes from a combination of a struggling economy, people being out of work and gifts becoming more expensive as a result of inflation.

The Westmoreland County chapter, which serves the rest of the county, except for Belle Vernon and Monessen, has seen a definite increase in families seeking help, but final numbers were not available, Coordinator Doug Hurst said.

Last year, his chapter helped almost 1,300 families and about 2,500 children, said Hurst, a Marine who has been coordinator for 23 years.

The good news is donations, so far, are keeping pace with demand.

Hurst said he expects donations will be enough this year.

“If not, we’ll go buy them,” he said. “It’s no big deal.”

Westmoreland County residents have been “fantastic” with their donations and support of Toys for Tots for almost three decades, Hurst said.

“The people in Westmoreland County are just tremendous — the people, the businesses, all the corporate donations we get,” he said. “They give and give and give.”

For families in need, the chapter had six signup locations throughout the county in November — at its main location in Hempfield, and in Trafford, Irwin, Stahlstown, Latrobe and Scottdale, Hurst said.

A last-chance signup will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the chapter’s warehouse at 1572 Roseytown Road in Hempfield.

Those signing up need to be receiving some form of public assistance and provide the ages of their children.

“We don’t request too much,” Hurst said.

Neilen said the Allegheny Valley chapter also tries to ask as few questions as possible. While her chapter’s signups are closed, she said, they are still getting calls and won’t turn anyone away.

“We really don’t look at income,” she said. “If you’re applying, we know you need the help.”

Both chapters seek to provide children up to age 13 with 10 to 12 gifts each, plus books, crayons, crafts and stocking stuffers. They do not give clothes or food.

Neilen said her chapter’s biggest needs are toys for older children, ages 8 to 13, which she said are always lacking.

Hurst said his chapter’s biggest needs are gifts for girls ages 9 to 12.

“Any toy is appreciated,” Neilen said.

Those interested in giving new, unwrapped toys can take them to Plum Senior High School for its ninth annual Toys for Tots “Stuff-a-Bus” toy drive today from 6 to 8 p.m. in the school bus lot.

Plum Senior High School, in collaboration with its Rachel’s Challenge program, had a goal of collecting more than 2,000 toys for Toys for Tots. Drop-off boxes are also at each of Plum’s other district schools.

The event also includes face painting, crafts and hot chocolate.

“Their community does an amazing job,” Neilen said. “I’m very excited to see what they bring to us.”

Donations are accepted at numerous locations throughout the region. Information about donating toys is available online under the “donate a toy” tab at tarentum-pa.toysfortots.org.

All of the various collection and drive efforts are helpful and appreciated, Neilen said.

“The community just comes up with some pretty amazing ideas,” she said.