EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. – As the holiday season approaches, Toys for Tots of Southern Colorado has launched an urgent appeal for a warehouse to store and distribute donated toys. Without a suitable facility, the nonprofit warns that thousands of children in the region could go without Christmas gifts.
Why a warehouse matters now
Six toy distributors are currently holding roughly 52 pallets of toys that have nowhere to be delivered. The organization relies on community donation boxes for about 75% of its inventory, with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation purchasing the remaining 25% from distributors to meet demand.
Last year the program delivered more than 47,000 toys to approximately 31,000 children across El Paso, Teller and Elbert counties. This year the need is even greater, and a permanent or seasonal warehouse is essential to keep the supply chain moving.
Specific space requirements
Donna Rae Smith, a spokesperson for Toys for Tots of Southern Colorado, says the group needs a space of at least 7,000 square feet; 10,000 square feet would be ideal. A loading dock is preferred, though a drive‑in or roll‑up door would also work. While a seasonal space would address the immediate holiday need, the organization hopes to secure a year‑round facility.
Having a permanent location would allow Toys for Tots to respond quickly when children are displaced from their homes, families face emergencies, or communities are evacuated because of wildfires. The nonprofit cites a recent example in Teller County, where it provided toys to children evacuated to shelters, allowing them to keep familiar playthings during a stressful time.
How the community can help
Smith urges anyone with available warehouse space or the ability to donate a suitable property to contact Toys for Tots directly. The organization’s contact information is listed on its website and through local outreach channels.
Community members can also support the effort by contributing toys to the donation boxes that supply the majority of the program’s inventory. Every contribution helps ensure that the holiday season remains joyful for the thousands of children who rely on this charitable service.
Looking ahead
Securing a warehouse will not only solve the immediate holiday‑season challenge but also strengthen the organization’s capacity to serve families year‑round. With the support of local businesses, churches, and families, Toys for Tots hopes to maintain its mission of bringing smiles to children across southern Colorado for many years to come.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
