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The American Legion Post 24 in Greenville hosted its monthly meeting on Dec. 5, where representatives from the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program spoke about their mission and the challenges of the holiday season. 

The legion announced its headquarters will serve as a distribution center for the program on Dec. 19.

“Toys for Tots is approaching their deadline and they needed a distribution spot in Greenville to hand out their donations,” said Legion Commander Lee Tanner. “All the donations will be bagged up and ready to go. People get a number and line up. When they pull up to the building, they get a bag and pull off. Our building is set up kind of perfect for that. So we agreed to let them use it.”

The Toys for Tots program, staffed entirely by local volunteers, distributes Christmas gifts to between 4,000 and 5,000 children annually in Butler and Lowndes counties. Donation boxes are located at Woodforest Bank, the Police and Sheriff’s offices and local fire departments. Donations for this year will be accepted until Dec. 16 or 17. The group is still in need of items for 4–6-year-old boys and girls.

Those wishing to donate can call 334-218-4107.

In addition to toys, the organization is in need of office supplies used during the collection and distribution process. 

“They need big trash bags, package tape, sharpies, copy paper, things like that,” Tanner said. “People don’t realize that a lot of these volunteers are buying this stuff out of their own pockets.”

Toys for Tots Coordinator Michele Sousa emphasized the program’s commitment to keeping all donations local.

“One hundred percent goes into buying toys for wherever it was donated,” Sousa said. “Donations and money don’t go anywhere else. If it’s raised in Butler County, it stays in Butler County and the same for Lowndes. We also try to only shop local if possible. We don’t order from Amazon or anything like that.”

In other business, the American Legion’s meeting included celebrations and updates.

Members discussed upcoming initiatives and service work and began making plans for a retreat day to encourage camaraderie among members.

Legion member Richard Lewis celebrated his 75th birthday and was honored with an autographed photo and letter from President Joe Biden. He sponsored a sit-down dinner for the group, catered by fellow member Tammie Rice.

Members celebrated the success of the annual Turkey Shoot fundraiser, which exceeded expectations. Tanner credited its success to strong participation from members and the community.

The next American Legion meeting will be held on Jan. 9.