TOLEDO, Ohio – The start of the 16th annual Hope for the Holidays toy drive is set for Friday, and the community’s generosity is already evident. Since the program began in 2011, more than 401,000 toys have been collected, with 28,000 donated last year alone.
Growth fueled by working families
Beth Schwandt, operations manager for the Salvation Army of Northwest Ohio, highlighted the growth from roughly 9,000 toys in the first year to today’s impressive totals. “When you think back in 2011, our first year, we brought in around 9,000 toys. Look where we are today,” she said, emphasizing the giving spirit of Toledo and surrounding communities.
Schwandt noted that many of those seeking assistance are working families facing tough choices. “Do I provide toys for my children or do I pay for food, rent and medicine?” she explained, underscoring the real‑world pressures many households endure.
Increasing need among grandparents and caregivers
Major Candy Fritsch, area coordinator for the Salvation Army, described the emotional impact of the stories she hears. “It is hard for me not to get tears in my eyes when I hear the sad stories. Sometimes I just sit and cry with people,” she said.
This year, Fritsch has observed a shift in the profile of those seeking help. More grandparents are raising grandchildren and turning to the Salvation Army for assistance for the first time, reflecting a broader trend of multigenerational caregiving in the region.
New distribution site to serve more families
To accommodate the growing demand, the toy distribution will move to a new location at Lott Industries on Hill Avenue. The Salvation Army expects to serve more than the usual 1,500 families, though exact numbers will be confirmed as the season progresses.
Both Schwandt and Fritsch expressed confidence that the community’s compassion will continue to rise alongside need. “When they came to us asking for help, they had no hope. This is bringing hope to them,” Schwandt said.
How to get involved
Residents can drop off new, unwrapped toys at a variety of locations throughout the region. A full list of drop‑off sites is available on the Hope for the Holidays website. Volunteers are also welcome to help sort and distribute toys at the Lott Industries site.
With a long history of success and a clear record of impact, the Hope for the Holidays toy drive remains a cornerstone of the Toledo community’s holiday spirit, offering tangible help to families who need it most.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
