POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — As our attention turns to holiday shopping, the head of Polk County’s Toys for Tots fears this year could be their last.
“At this point, I got to be honest. I’m teetering if we’re going to continue the program,” said Angela Davis, coordinator and executive director of the Marine Corps Polk County Toys for Tots.
Davis called Toys for Tots a “labor of love,” but acknowledged it’s a lot on her shoulders.
“From the first of September until about January 15th, I’m all Toys For Tots,” Davis said. “I miss out on a lot. My family misses me, but it means a lot to me that these kids get a Christmas.”
In 2022, Davis took over leadership at the Polk County program after the death of longtime coordinator, David Waller. This year, Davis expects to serve up to 16,700 children.
In her view, Polk County has outgrown the local Toys For Tots infrastructure.
“Volunteers are down, the economy and now you have the impact of the storm. So people are spreading out their wealth and their generosity in a lot of different areas. I don’t fault them but then again my concern is here and we’re definitely seeing the impact,” said Davis.
Unlike some other Toys For Tots programs, Marines play no role in Polk County. Every toy is put together with civilian volunteers.
Davis’ hope to salvage the program is to get an assistant coordinator and put together a committee to schedule events and keep up with the growing demand in a growing community.
Plus, she said, bring in more volunteers.
The Auburndale warehouse operates Monday through Saturday.
“Two days we’re here until 6 o’clock in the evening so if you get off work at 3 or 5, even if you only gave me an hour, you can’t believe how much we can get done in an hour but I need bodies in here to make it happen,” said Davis.
To sign up to volunteer, visit the Polk County Toys for Tots website. You can also donate at the link here.