Local fire departments have teamed up with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots annual campaign, which has begun with Christmas a little over a month away.
By Amy Batista, Special Writer
Local fire departments have teamed up with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots annual campaign, which has begun with Christmas a little over a month away.
”The Fire Department has hosted the Toys for Tots program for roughly 10 years,” said Robbinsville Township Fire Department Deputy Chief Daniel Schaffener in an email Nov. 14.
”The Robbinsville Township Fire Department and the Robbinsville Professional Firefighters Association decided years ago to assist the Marines in their mission in an attempt to assist families and children during the holiday season,” he said. “It goes without saying that this is a worthwhile, well-established program and a cause that stands to benefit a great deal of less fortunate children.”
The collection began Nov. 13 for the Robbinsville Fire Department and Nov. 15 for Plumsted Township Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association Local 89.
The Marines are scheduled to pick up donations between Dec. 13 and 16 for Robbinsville and Dec. 18 for Plumsted.
The firefighters’ union is hosting the Toys for Tots program for the first time, according to firefighter and union delegate Josh Jamison in an email Nov. 15.
”The decision was based on the need and want to help children,” Mr. Jamison said. “We all decided at some point in our life that we wanted to help people; this is why we became firefighter/EMTs. Doing the Toys for Tots program just reinforces what we are about. It’s not just emergency response.
”Within the past year, we have sponsored sports teams, adopted families during the holidays as well as aided in public events around the area. We are always looking for a way to help people in need, not just in Plumsted Township, but all around,” he said.
The mission of the Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted, according to its website.
”We are grateful for any help we can get during this program,” Mr. Jamison said.
Deputy Chief Schaffener concurred.
”Any and all donations residents can make would be appreciated,” Deputy he said.
”Our opinion, the best part about this is knowing that come Christmas morning, a child will, hopefully, have at least one gift to open,” Mr. Jamison said.
Drop-offs can be made at the Robbinsville Township Fire Department at 1149 Route 130. Toys may be dropped off in the main entrance foyer of the fire station. Drop-off times may be made anytime and any day between now and the pickup days.
A collection bin also is at the New Egypt Fire Department at 59 Main St. Drop-offs can be made between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekends, gifts can be dropped off at New Egypt First Aid Building between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
On Dec. 4, Sunsets Restaurant at the Cream Ridge Golf Course will be hosting a party where another drop-off bin will be available.
”While our drop-off point is always well-utilized, we would like to make this year our best year ever,” Deputy Chief Schaffener said. “We encourage all residents to take the time to drop off what they can to enable the Marines to assist all those who may be in need. We do not want a single child to go without during this or any holiday season.”
Both departments have been posting information on its Facebook pages.

