Donation period opens for ‘Toys for Tots’ program

Community members who want to bring the Christmas spirit to life for children under the care of Karidat Social Services can now donate toys for them starting today.

Karidat executive director Angie V. Guerrero said they have partnered with the Society for Human Resource Management for this year’s “Toys for Tots” program.

The annual program was sponsored by Wells Fargo for several years before the financial services company closed down its Saipan branch. Last year’s program was sponsored by Marianas Health Services.

“I approached the [SHRM] and they accepted the invitation,” Guerrero said in a news briefing yesterday.

Guerrero disclosed that a total of 71 children on Saipan, with ages ranging from 0 to 10, are expected to benefit. She noted that it is “complicated” to provide gifts to children 11 years or older as most of them ask for gadgets.

Guerrero said those who want to donate should bring their unwrapped toys to the Karidat office in Chalan Kanoa or to any of the three designated drop-off points: StayWell Insurance in Sadog Tasi, TakeCare/FHP Clinic at the TSL Plaza in Garapan, or the Pacific Islands Club in San Antonio. Contact persons for the three drop-off points are Eric Plinske, Nora Sablan, and Polly Masga, respectively.

Toy donations will be accepted until Dec. 21 before Karidat officially hands the donation to the beneficiaries. “It gives people two weeks’ time to donate,” said Guerrero. “If you’re really willing to give, you will give even if it’s only one-day notice.”

Donated toys should be marked for what gender and age to enable them to match the toy with their existing clients. The donated toys, Guerrero emphasized, could be educational and need not be expensive.

“It’s not the amount but it’s the gesture that you’re giving. I hope people can really be generous with whatever they can afford because I know everybody is struggling,” she said.

After they receive the donated toys, Guerrero said they will call the children’s parents to pick up the toys and wrap them so that their children would think that they got the toys from their own parents.

“We involve the parents also and empower them. Every parent wants to give their children something for Christmas. This is really a beautiful gesture from all those who would be donating,” she added.

Guerrero said this year’s Toys for Tots will only benefit Saipan since shipment is a challenge for them to send toys to Tinian and Rota. However, any extra toys they have will be shared with other organizations who also care for children such as the Division of Youth Services.

Guerrero is optimistic that they will reach their target number of toys. “Despite the hardship, people still have the spirit of giving in this holiday season,” said Guerrero, adding that Hyatt Regency Saipan already committed to doing the Toys for Tots for Guma Esperansa clients.

For more information, call Guerrero at 234-5248 or 6981 or SHRM president Polly Masga at 237-5122.