“This last Christmas our 4-year-old son Asher was having a hard time understanding the meaning of Christmas.
We sat down and had a heartfelt discussion on how at Christmas joy comes from not just receiving a gift, but by giving a gift. Asher was saddened when he realized that he didn’t have money to buy gifts to give. So, the family brewed up an idea for him to earn money. Asher had recently started the skill of bracelet making in preschool, so the plan was for him to continue making bracelets at home and start selling them.
Once the bracelet making was in full production, we sat with Asher and talked about a cause for donating the toys which he would be purchasing with the monies earned from the bracelets. Asher remembered “Toys for Tots” from community events. This really resonated with Asher, because not only is he a kid but he loves Toys too.
Asher’s eagerness to raise money grew contagious and soon he recruited more family to help make bracelets. He then began selling bracelets to friends and family and anyone he could find. To his and his family’s surprise, the support spanned across the country.
Asher raised over $230.00 and was able to buy enough toys to over fill a grocery cart. His joy and excitement were hard to contain as he was able to choose and pick out the toys he wanted to give. Our hearts were so full to see how much this impacted our son. "Our family is so grateful for the opportunity to share this life-changing experience and tangible lesson.”
Albany County Toys for Tots wants to give a BIG shout out to Asher and his family. This is truly a display of embodying the Christmas spirit. Thank you for your caring and sharing hearts.
Anyone Can Be Santa!
Our Warehouse this year is donated by;
JT Walsh
at
Real Estate 1
A huge thank you to JT and Real Estate 1
The 2025
Campaign Starts
October 1st
Last year we distributed 6,382 toys to over 700 children in Albany County.
This greatly impacted the lives of many less fortunate children and their families and we feel
the needs will be even greater this coming year.
The ultimate success depends on the support of the local community and the
generosity of the people who donate.
As we continue to plan and organize for the upcoming year,
we ask for your help and assistance with the following:
Donated Toys
Toy Collection Sites
Heavy Duty Black Trash Bags
Packing Tape
Batteries
Food for Volunteers
I would be happy to meet with you to discuss the Toys for Tots Program and how you can help!
Tonia Ridge
Coordinator
307-214-2155
2025 TOY REGISTRATION
Starts
October 1st
If you or someone you know are in need of toys this Christmas, please have them register on line for the child/children.
When registering, please be sure to answer all questions on the application completely. In doing so, this will speed up the response time of the application and your registration.
Once you register on line you will be sent a text message, with a date and time to pick up bagged toys.
You are not fully registered until you receive a date and time to pickup toys
You will need to bring a photo ID and proof of residency in Albany County.
**Please Note**
Toys for Tots does not give out the following;
Gift cards, Gaming Systems or Equipment, games,
iPads, Computers,
Cell phones and TVs.
If you need assistance with registering or you have questions please call the coordinator.
The success of our Toys for Tots program is a reflection of our community's spirit, by providing hope for those who are less fortunate. You, the citizens, provide the toys and funds that make the entire program successful.
Without you, and the local businesses that provide drop locations for toys and funds, the program would not exist.
*OCTOBER
We begin registering families for toys
*NOVEMBER
We collect, sort and bag toys for the families
*DECEMBER
We distribute toys to the families