Toys For Tots In Full Swing In Braintree: Dates To Know

BRAINTREE, MA — While you’re checking off holiday gifts for family members, don’t forget the kids who aren’t on anyone’s shopping list and pick up some items for the Toys for Tots campaign in Braintree.

Sponsored by the Marine Corps Reserves, Toys for Tots is organized locally in Braintree by Toys for Tots Coordinator SSgt. Ricardo Balderama.

Last year in the Boston-metro area, 89,786 toys were distributed to 82,011 children who might not otherwise have gotten any Christmas gifts. Nationally, about 625 million toys were handed out to 291 million kids.

Besides dropping off new, unwrapped toys at several drop-off locations, people who want to support the campaign can also donate online. Donations in Braintree close on Dec. 11.

Here’s what you need to know in Braintree:

• Department of Elder Affairs, 71 Cleveland Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Goldfish Swim School, 579 Granite St., Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Space Zero, 250 Granite St., Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• UDR Inc., 550 Liberty St., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is an IRS-recognized nonprofit public charity created in 1991. The foundation, created in 1991, uses 97 percent of every donation to buy toys for children in need.