Metro is thrilled to announce the launch of our 2011 Metro Magic giving campaign and, as the gift-giving season begins, we are asking our daily readers to give back to needy children in Boston.
We first launched Metro Magic last year at our sister paper in New York City and were so overwhelmed by the generosity of Metro readers that, this year, we decided to bring the toy drive to Boston and Philadelphia as well.
We are again partnering with Toys for Tots, the nonprofit run by the U.S. Marines, who will come to our Boston office to pick up the toys and distribute them to hundreds of different charities.
In addition to Toys for Tots, Metro Boston is also partnering with The Home for Little Wanderers, which delivers services to thousands of children and families each year through a system of residential, community-based and prevention programs, direct care services and advocacy.
“We are excited to be partnering with the Metro this year for The Home for Little Wanderers’ Big Wishes Gift Drive,” said Jason Etheridge, The Home’s senior corporate relations manager. “Thanks to the generosity of Metro readers, we’ll be able to make the holiday wishes of thousands of children who are living in at-risk circumstances come true.”
Starting today, and running through December, keep an eye out for the Metro Magic logo daily.
This season, we hope you will remember that one gift can make a big difference.
What is Toys for Tots?
Toys for Tots started in 1947, when a group of U.S. Marine reservists got together and cleaned up small toys and gave them away to needy families. Now it’s one of the biggest nonprofits in the nation. Toys for Tots works by giving away the toys they collect to other nonprofits.
Through the generosity, assistance and goodwill of Boston’s citizens, the Greater Boston Toys for Tots program has been one of the most successful in the country and has gained national notoriety in past years.
What to give?
Metro is collecting new, unwrapped gifts, not clothes. Things like action figures, dolls, board games, and sports toys like a football are always good. And don’t forget about older children, ages 11 and up. An older child would love to receive an MP3 player, a make-up kit or a poster from their favorite “Twilight” movie this year. And you don’t have to give much. Spending $10 or $20 on a toy or two for a needy child can make a big difference.
How to take part
Go to ToysRUs.com and click on Wish List. Under “Find A Wish List,” search by “Wish List #.” Enter the code 31185888.
This will take you to Metro Boston’s Wish List! Once there, you can see
all the toys we’ve already requested for kids and more are being added
daily. Simply select the toys you want and purchase them. That’s it!
Selecting only the toys on our wish list ensures that all the gifts will be shipped to our offices and then picked up by the Marines.
If you donate, e-mail us at charity@metro.us letting us know what you gave and we’ll shout out a “thank-you” in the paper!
