Broome County Toys for Tots 2018 Featured on Southern Tier Close Up

Broome County Toys for Tots is getting ready to brighten the holidays for local children and their families for 2018.

The incoming coordinator of the local program, Binghamton Police Officer Chris Marshall is the guest on Southern Tier Close Up.

Officer Marshall says the local organization has been operated by police agencies and volunteers since 1962.

This year, the program starts with sign ups Monday, November 26th- Saturday, December 8 at the headquarters set at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City across from Ruby Tuesday restaurant.  The center is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Families can sign children up for toys through December 8th.  The program is open to Broome County residents and participants must provide a birth certificate for each child, be a parent or legal guardian (with family court custody documents) and be registering children between the ages of 1-10.

Monetary donations, in addition to new, unwrapped toys in original packaging are being accepted.

Officer Marshall talks about what it's like to volunteer for the local Toys for Tots program and what it means to families to be able to have toys for their children during the holidays.

People who would like to volunteer can contact this year's coordinator, Officer Johnson, at (607) 349-2165.

Drop off barrels are located at the Binghamton, Johnson City, Endicott and Vestal Police Departments and the Broome County Sheriff's Office while support is also provided by the New York State Police and Broome Security.  There will also be other opportunities during the season for residents to donate toys.

Southern Tier Close Up can be heard Sunday at 6 am on Wild 104.