Toys for Tots collection begins

Because of COVID-19, this year’s Christmas is definitely going to be different from previous years. But you can help make a child’s Christmas special, right here in Manchester. The Manchester Township Fire Department and the Dutchmen Firefighters Association are running their annual Toys for the Toys for Tots campaign.

Buy a toy and donate it to Toys for Tots. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy in one of the collection boxes located around town between now and Friday, December 18. Due to COVID restrictions, accessibility to the boxes may be limited (see below). All the toys collected will be distributed to Manchester area children.

Collection boxes are located at

• Manchester True Value Hardware – Accessible when open
• Ash Auto – Should be accessible when open (they were closed today, but will get one to them on Monday)
• Manchester District Library – Outside in front of building during open hours, weather permitting
• Old National Bank – Only accessible by appointment, lobby closed
• Comerica Bank – Accessible when open, lobby is currently open
• Linda’s Diner – Accessible when open for take-out
• Manchester Township Office – Accessible when open
• Dollar General – Accessible when open

Do you know someone who needs help with toys for gifts this year? Call 734-428-9439 and leave a message.

This annual drive has provided thousands of toys for children in the community over the years. Manchester’s Toys for Tots Coordinator Jeff Mann stated, “Last year 488 toys were collected and donated. Since 2004 when I started working on this, 5,292 toys have been collected in the last 15 years.”

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.