ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – In 800 communities across America, the United States Marines are collecting toys for the annual Toys for Tots program. Locally, the Marines teamed up this morning with Fat Matt Roofing at Ollie’s on Judge Ely for a holiday purchase.
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In 1991, the United States Marine Corps created the Toys for Tots program to serve economically disadvantaged children during the holidays. Fast forward to this morning, the Marines teamed up with a local business to spread Christmas joy.
“Have a great team of folks,” Matt Smith with Fat Matt Roofing said. “Cameron Wiley, he’s been doing this for a while and came to me with the idea of, hey, let’s go buy some toys and help out with Toys for Tots. It’s just been an amazing opportunity to get to go through these aisles and shop and see the team out. Just get to partner with what our guys are doing to just love on people. So we were happy to be out here today.”
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Fat Matt Roofing employee Cameron Wiley has volunteered with Toys for Tots for about six years.
“One of the best things I love about this business is our owner is extremely philanthropic, has a huge heart, wants to give back, you know, very reaping so foundational principles of this company. So we’re just happy to be able to do this for them because we know the need is growing every year, and so we’re happy to be able to help with that,” Wiley explained.
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Coordinator Sergeant Cristian J Hernandez shared that they are projecting more than 9,000 kids to apply for Toys for Tots.
“Honestly, it felt like Christmas for me. I don’t know about the other guys, but it felt great just being able to shop for these other children. May not even know them, but hey, I hope that our choices were good for them. Last year, we had over 4,500 kids that had applied, and this year, we are projecting to probably double that by the end of December 9, whenever the application closes. So, right now, it’s looking pretty good,” Hernandez shared.
The last day for families to sign up to receive toys is December 9. You can click here to apply. Toy donations will be accepted until December 13. The suggested drop-off is at Abilene City Hall at 555 Walnut Street.
