By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — The annual Toys For Tots drive is underway with more than 70 of the familiar white boxes already distributed to Olean-area businesses and other locations.
Each donation box has a QR code to apply for toys, to get more information or to donate or volunteer.
Kathy Young of Olean is the new Toys For Tots coordinator. She succeeds Kip Morrow of Portville, who was involved in the organization for many years, including under founder Reggie Dellaire. Morrow remains involved as a volunteer.
Young and her husband Dr. Keith Young moved to Cattaraugus County six years ago. He is director of St. Bonaventure University’s Physicians Assistant Studies, while she works remotely for Merrimack College in Boston as a program director and assistant clinical professor.
Last year when Young learned the Toys For Tots Program was looking for a new coordinator, she inquired about the job. Morrow agreed to mentor her about the program and said he’d continue to serve as a volunteer.
Young is being aided by assistant Jenna Zetwick of Lewis Run, Pa. The service area for Toys For Tots includes all of Cattaraugus County and the southern part of Allegany County and northern portion of McKean County in Pennsylvania.
“I was just looking for something to give back to the community,” Young said in a telep[hone interview Thursday. “This is a great way to get involved in something to help children and families.”
Young was getting ready for Saturday’s event at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, 2801 W. State St., Olean: Pack the Truck. People are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to put in a truck provided by Paul Brown Dodge between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. A retired U.S. Marine will be on hand for part of the day.
It’s the first of several Toys For Tots events. The group also plans to march in the upcoming Santa Claus Lane Parade, Young said.
Last year the Cattaraugus County Toys For Tots program provided 6,89 toys to 1,276 children, Young said. The number will probably be greater this year, she added.
Young said she’s thankful for the assistance of past volunteers and is still looking for people who can volunteer. If you’d like to help, call Young at (585) 378-6514 or email her at kyoung1@twcny.rr.com.
You can email Olean Toys For Tots at olean-ny@toysfortots.org. Donations can be made through this site.
For those who want to mail a check, send it to Toys For Tots, PO Box 4, Allegany, NY 14706.
A list of places where the Toys For Tots boxes are located will be on the Toys For Tots website. There will also be an Amazon list where others can order from Amazon and have it delivered to the Toys For Tots location, Young said.
The local Toys For Tots website link is: https://olean-ny.toysfortots.org.
On Dec. 15, parents with approved applications will come to the multipurpose room at the DePerro School of Health Professions at St. Bonaventure University where they will pick out toys for their child or children.
And Toys For Tots always includes at least one book as a gift for children, Young said.
