With the holiday season approaching, the Manatee County Marine Corps Toys for Tots program is issuing an urgent appeal to local businesses, property owners, government leaders, and community members for help securing a permanent facility and recruiting volunteers to support its annual holiday operations.
The local Toys for Tots campaign served more than 20,000 children throughout Manatee County last year and anticipates reaching a similar number in 2026. Despite the size of its operations and the growing need among local families, the organization continues to face challenges in finding a long-term location to receive, organize, store, and distribute donated toys and gifts.
During the 2025 holiday season, the program operated from the former Mixon property through assistance from Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard. Program organizers expressed appreciation for Ballard’s efforts in helping secure the temporary location. However, planned renovations and changes to the property prevented the organization from continuing to use the space.
Retired U.S. Marine Jim Kaskey and Manatee County Toys for Tots Coordinator Lynette White have been working since before the 2025 holiday season to identify a permanent home for the program. Their efforts have included contacting potential partners, exploring available properties, and seeking support from community organizations and local officials.
A dedicated facility would provide the space needed to manage thousands of donations, coordinate volunteers, prepare orders, and distribute gifts to families. Organizers say the ongoing uncertainty surrounding facility availability creates additional logistical challenges each year, requiring significant time and resources that could otherwise be devoted to serving children.
The organization is seeking a long-term facility with sufficient room for receiving, sorting, storing, and distributing toys, books, and other gifts. Property owners, developers, and businesses with suitable buildings are encouraged to consider donating space or making facilities available at little or no cost.
Local government agencies, churches, civic organizations, and community partners are also being asked to help identify potential locations or develop creative solutions that would provide a sustainable home for the program.
In addition to facility needs, Toys for Tots is recruiting volunteers to assist with sorting donations, organizing inventory, packing gifts, preparing orders, transportation, distribution, and daily operations. Organizers emphasize that community participation is essential to maintaining a program that reaches thousands of children each holiday season.
The Marine Corps Toys for Tots program provides holiday gifts to children whose families may be experiencing financial hardship. For some recipients, the donations may represent the only presents they receive during the Christmas season. The program also offers families additional support during a time of year when financial pressures can be particularly difficult.
White and Kaskey hope the community will recognize the importance of establishing a permanent location that allows the organization to focus on its mission rather than beginning each holiday season with another search for operational space.
With more than 20,000 children served annually, organizers believe a stable facility would strengthen the program’s ability to coordinate donations, recruit volunteers, and meet the needs of families throughout Manatee County.
Community members, business owners, developers, and organizations interested in providing facility space or volunteering are encouraged to contact the local Toys for Tots campaign.
Lynette White, Manatee County Toys for Tots Coordinator, can be reached at 941-592-0542 or by email at Bradenton.fl@toysfortots.org.
Jim Kaskey, retired U.S. Marine and Toys for Tots community supporter, can be reached at 574-350-4490.
As preparations continue for the 2026 holiday season, the organization hopes community partnerships will provide both the permanent home and volunteer support needed to continue bringing Christmas gifts to thousands of Manatee County children.