2011 News Archive
Toys for Tots early drop-off at City Hall on Monday, Nov. 28
Take time to sign holiday cards for military as well
11/21/2011
The City's Toys for Tots drive, part of the city's Founders Day week of activities, officially begins on Thursday, Dec. 1 and continues through Dec. 14. An early drop-off has been added for the convenience of folks coming to the Monday night tree lighting.
To participate, simply bring a new, unwrapped toy and place it in the collection box outside the reception area at City Hall, located at 12000 Findley Road, Suite 400. Toys also can be dropped off at any of Johns Creek's three fire stations and at Park Place at Newtown School.
Toys for Tots began in 1947, when Maj. Bill Hendricks, USMCR, and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The 1947 pilot project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign, which they have carried on ever since. The initial objective that remains as the hallmark of the program today is to "bring the joy of Christmas to America's needy children."
The North Atlanta Toys for Tots goal is to collect 715,000 toys this year. Any toy will be accepted however there is a specific need for toys suitable for boys and girls ages 6-7 and 11-13.
In addition, when you stop by to drop off a toy - or if you have other business at City Hall - please be sure to sign the four large holiday cards that will be sent to armed forces units serving overseas in combat zones.
The holiday cards feature a montage of 14 cards designed by local fifth-grade students and also are on display in the City Hall lobby. The Mayor and City Council selected the entries to serve as this year's official city cards and include all the entries on the oversized versions going to men and women in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.
The cards will be available to sign at the holiday tree and dreidel lighting Monday, Nov. 28 starting at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot, as well as at the Santa Jam at Johns Creek High School starting at 10:30 a.m., Dec. 3, following the Founders Day Parade.
See the Founders Day page for a complete listing of events and more information.
Drop off locations:
- Fire Station #61: 10265 Medlock Bridge Parkway (map)
- Fire Station #62: 10925 Rogers Circle (map)
- Fire Station #63: 3165 Old Alabama Road (map)
- Park Place at Newtown School: 3125 Old Alabama Road (map)