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A community Toys for Tots box inside the Two Rivers Activity Center

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – In 2020, around 1,890 toys were distributed and 570 children were supported by the Jamestown Toys for Tots program.

Overseen locally by Sheila Ova, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has supported the Toys for Tots since 1991. The national program began in 1947 and was adopted by the Marine Corps in 1948. In that span, more than 548,000,000 toys have been collected nationwide.

Ova first began the local program 9 years ago after having been associated with Toys for Tots for 20 years in Bismarck. Working with her daughter Mona Elsner has been helping with the local program.

All unwrapped presents are distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. Ova says it’s based on a referral program from councilors at schools to just word of mouth. These referrals are taken through December 10th and later distributed to those signed up with the program on December 18th.

She added she does make exceptions in some cases where referrals aren’t made in time.

Toys can be donated at over 31 sites around Jamestown, including ones in Carrington and Valley City.

For more information or to fill out a referral, contact Sheila Ova at 701-952-3603.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Sheila Ova below: