Waverly and Owego-area school communities are taking part in a friendly Toys for Tots competition aimed at helping children across Tioga County during the holiday season.
The countywide challenge began October 19 and continues through November 23. Students, families and community members may donate new, unwrapped toys for children from birth through age 13 through participating schools in the Waverly and Owego-Apalachin districts.
Organizers say every toy collected through the challenge will remain in Tioga County. The effort is coordinated with the local Toys for Tots campaign and the Owego Marine Corps League, with donated toys distributed to qualifying families in the county.
The two school communities will compete to see which side collects the most toys. Organizers expect to announce the winning district around December 1 and present a traveling trophy, adding a little school pride to a campaign built around helping local children.
Tioga County’s Veterans’ Service Agency says the local Toys for Tots program served approximately 2,600 children last year. The campaign accepts age-appropriate toys and gifts, but donated items must be new and unwrapped so volunteers can sort and distribute them safely.
Families interested in donating should follow instructions from their local school district or the Tioga County Toys for Tots campaign. The November 23 deadline gives volunteers time to organize the collection before holiday distribution begins.
