U.S. Marines collect more than toys for tots

Need for essentials noted on children’s wish lists

By TOM KANE

MILFORD, PA — The national U.S. Marine Corps League’s annual Toys for Tots campaign will have a slightly different approach this year in Pike County.

“We’re seeing a lot of problems that are being caused by the poor economy,” said Jim Slevin, commandant of the Gung Ho Detachment 909 of Pike County Marine Corps League. “There are a lot of kids and teens who are not only in need of toys, but of some essentials.”

Slevin cited the case of a little boy, who put his request to Santa on the tree at the American Legion in Pike County. “He didn’t ask for toys,” Slevin said. “His note said, ‘please get me a pair of pants, size seven, I hope in blue.’ We’re not talking about a new computer or a new play station or big toys. A little girl asked for socks. Kids who are affluent can be pretty cruel to kids who they see that are dressed poorly.”

This year, the Marine program is at a critical place, he said. “Veterans are returning home who need help, and their children as well.”

Christine Obser, director of the Pike County Office of Human Development who is working with the Marines, said families who are in need can call her at 570/296-3434.

Slevin said that there is a need to help teens, as well as tots.

The Marines have placed boxes at 11 sites in the county where people can deposit toys and other items.

The boxes can be found mainly in Milford at business sites, the library, stores, the county offices and the county court house. Dingmans residents will find a box at the Dingmans Post Office.

“People who need coats can get them at the Bushkill Outreach at the food pantry in Bushkill,” Obser said.

The principle Toys for Tots activities, which take place each year, are the collection and distribution of toys in the communities in which a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located and in communities without a Reserve Unit that has a Marine Corps League Detachment.