Toys for Tots of Manatee County Seeks Permanent Home to Expand Year-Round Support for Local Children
Toys for Tots of Manatee County is once again bringing holiday joy to children across the community, but this year the work is being carried out from a temporary location. Program leaders say securing a permanent facility would not only ease the challenges of the annual toy drive but also enable the organization to launch new initiatives that could support families year-round.
Lynette White, the new coordinator for the Manatee County Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, said that without a permanent home, funding that could go toward toys must instead be directed to storage. White believes a consistent, year-round space would transform the program’s reach, helping it grow beyond its seasonal identity.
White, now in her first year as coordinator after a decade with the organization, made securing a drive location and beginning the search for a permanent facility two of her top priorities. The community has already stepped up: local businesses have contributed between 400 and 500 boxes of toys, filling the temporary space with holiday generosity.
The group began distributing gifts on Thursday and will continue with another delivery on Friday, bringing early celebrations to families facing difficult circumstances. For White, the mission is deeply personal. As a child who once benefited from Toys for Tots, she says giving back is a source of profound fulfillment and helped inspire her to found her own nonprofit, White’s House of Hope.
Organizers say a dedicated facility would reduce annual costs and allow more funds to flow directly toward toys and expanded programming. It would also enable the group to serve children year-round, offering consistent support to families throughout Manatee County.
As the drive continues, Toys for Tots is asking for donations specifically for children ages 8 to 13, a group commonly overlooked in gift collections. While younger children often receive an abundance of toys, organizers hope to ensure that older kids feel just as remembered during the holidays.
With the season in full swing, every contribution makes a difference. For families experiencing hardship, a single donated toy can bring hope — and a permanent home for Toys for Tots of Manatee County could help bring that hope year-round.