The City of Princeton is again participating in the annual Toys for Tots campaign sponsored for 78 years by the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation. 

The program believes that finding a present under the tree on Christmas morning is an experience every child deserves. 

Since 1947, Toys for Tots has distributed 708 million toys to 314 million children. The foundation, an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, was established in 1991.

Last year, Collin County Toys for Tots supported 27,619 children and distributed 90,330 toys.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and make the holidays brighter for children across Collin County,” said Mayor Eugene Escobar Jr. “Princeton has always been known for its generosity and community spirit, and I’m confident we’ll rise to the challenge.”

He encouraged residents, businesses and community organizations to support the effort by donating new, unwrapped toys at designated drop-off locations across the city.

Locations include the Princeton Municipal Center, Lois Nelson Public Library and the Princeton-Lowry Crossing Chamber of Commerce.

Other drop-off locations are Princeton Public Works, 255 E. Monte Carlo Boulevard, Firehouse 2, 700 Monte Carlo Boulevard, Princeton Recycling, 2950 E. Princeton Drive and Joe Hudson’s Collision Center, 791 E. Princeton Drive.

Local coordinators will pick up these toys and store them in central warehouses where the toys are sorted by age and gender. 

Distributions begin Monday, Dec. 1, and conclude Thursday, Dec. 18.

“The holidays are about giving, compassion, and community,” Escobar said. “Whether you’re dropping off one toy or a truckload, every donation makes a difference.”

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