MOLINE, Ill. — The annual Toys for Tots drive at News 8 was an all-day affair. From 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, our team collected toys of all shapes and sizes to benefit the organization.
Meteorologists Andrew Stutzke and James Zahara and GMQC anchor Ava Hedges helped collect toys in front of the station. Corporal Griffin Stephenson was also on duty. He braved the wind and snow to help get these toys to the Quad Cites kids who need them most.
"It feels pretty amazing to be honest. I think all of us can truly say it's great being out here and being here for the community," Stephenson said.
The news station wasn't the only place to drop off donations. In front of NorthPark Mall, iHeart Media held their own toy drive. They competed with News 8 trying to gather the most toys. That includes Program Director Mark Manuel.
He said he thinks about how his own kids enjoyed Christmas when they were little and said he wants every family to experience that.
"Just knowing that these kids will have the biggest smile on their face, even if it's just one or two toys, they'll be so thrilled, and that's what this is all about," Manuel said.
Between News 8 and iHeart Media, we donated more than 40 boxes of toys. Even though the station pulled ahead, it's all going to a good cause.
Last year, Toys for Tots handed out more than 33,000 toys in the Quad Cities, benefiting more than 9,000 children.