MOLINE, Ill. — Toys for Tots Quad Cities volunteers are hard at work giving Santa a hand during the charity's busiest time of the year.
"We are here almost every day… from about 10 p.m. till 4 p.m.," longtime volunteer Debbie Sailing said.
Volunteers meet about once per month outside of the Christmas season to try to get as many people signed up and verified as possible. Over 5,000 kids are on the list to receive presents this year. The QC drive distributed around 33,000 toys to more than 9,400 children last year.
Sgt. Ryan Quezada is hopeful that the nonprofit, organized by the United States Marine Corps, will see an even greater turnout of toy donations at the WQAD drive tomorrow.
"Right now we are aiming for at least 5,000 [donations]," Quezada said.
Quezada encourages community members to donate new toys or their time as program volunteers.
"It's important so that way no one gets left out," he said. "Everyone's able to have a Christmas."
Community members can join WQAD News 8 staff, Marines and volunteers on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. during our day-long Toys for Tots station drive. Crews will collect new, unwrapped toys and cash donations in front of the WQAD studios, located at 3003 Park 16th St. in Moline just up the hill from South Park Mall.
Distribution days for registered kids will take place Dec. 7 to 8 and 13 to 14.