Business leaders, elected officials and police officers gathered at Avenue Chiropractic on Frankford Avenue last week to talk about one thing they had in common: toys.
The Marine Toys for Tots program Philadelphia announced its official 2019 campaign to raise toys for children in Philadelphia County and Bristol Township. Local businesses such as Avenue Chiropractic have been participating in the program for the last eight years.
“Our mission is to fulfill every child’s Christmas wish, as they do not choose their situation,” said Dr. Anne Marie Muldoon, owner of Avenue Chiropractic and Mayfair Business program coordinator. Muldoon spearheaded Mayfair Business’s portion of the program in 2011.
Last year 32,723 toys were distributed to 30,833 children through the Philadelphia program. Last year Mayfair BID alone raised 75 boxes of toys.
“Everybody please participate in the Toys for Tots program and let’s shatter this record,” said Councilman Bobby Henon, whose office supports the program.
Drop boxes will be delivered to businesses and other participating locations from now until Nov. 15. The toys will be picked up between Dec. 1 and 16, and toys will be given to children between Dec. 1 and 23.
Families in Philadelphia County and Bristol Township can submit toy requests through Dec. 16.
This year’s campaign is already well underway, drawing support from Mission BBQ, El Camino Real, Five Below, PayPal, Amazon and Pep Boys. Toy drop-off locations will be set up at police and fire stations around the city, while St. Jerome School established a toy collection and distribution plan.
To learn how to become a drop-off site, request toy delivery or more,visit philadelphia-pa.toysfortots.org.
