Community Corner

Toys for Tots Brightens Holidays in Area

It's well worth the drive to West Real Estate in Wilmington for their annual photo with Santa day.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but that’s not the case for everyone. With your help, however, the holiday season could be a little more cheerful for families in need.

Toys for Tots returns again this year, bringing gifts to less fortunate families in Tewksbury and Wilmington. There are a host of drop off locations in town, including Town Hall, Market Basket, Reading Co-Operative Bank and the Senior Center.

Wilmington resident Frank West, who organizes the local efforts, said at a recent Board of Selectmen meeting that the biggest struggle is solicitng donations for children 9-14 years old, while three- to five-year-olds are the most popular donation age.

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“If we can have people in our own community have a good Christmas and a good holiday season, we’d like to be able to do that,” West told selectmen. “It’s a great program and a great way to get some toys and hopefully lighten the load for Christmas.”

As a way to bring attention to the cause, West Real Estate holds its annual Photo with Santa Day on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 12-4 p.m. The event will include an appearance by Boston Bruins’ mascot Blades and the Bruins Ice Girls in addition to music by Oldies 103.3.

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“We are pleased to assist the Marines in making Christmas a little brighter for needy families,” said Karen West. “We often take for granted that there are families less fortunate than we are and that they too deserve to have a festive holiday season.”


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