Broome County Toys for Tots faces perhaps its most important year and it comes at a time when its director is retiring and a new a new officer is taking over the reigns. But while the faces may be changing, their goal remains the same. 

“We fill the bags up age appropriate. Big gifts, little gifts, small gifts,” said Theresa Johnson, retired Binghamton police officer and former Broome County Toys for Tots director.

Theresa Johnson is spending her final days as a Binghamton Police officer doing what she loves most - giving back. She knew her final year as Broome County’s Toys for Tots Director was going to be her most impactful. 

“Especially this year, because of everything going on, people didn’t know where they were going to get their stuff from, so that’s why we’re here. We have people who stand here and cry thanking us and we’re here to help them,” said Johnson.

Taking over the role is her co-worker, Binghamton Police officer Chris Marshall. With 2020 being his first year as the acting director, he knew he’d face some challenges. 

But after spending 13 years on the force, he wanted to give back even further. 

“The position became available. They were looking for somebody. I just wanted to give back to the community that I serve every day and this was a great opportunity to help the community,” said Marshall.

Of course, both officers say none of this would be possible without the help of the dozens of volunteers. Plenty of families have been coming back year after year to lend a hand. And even in a tough year, 2020 was no different. 

“Without our volunteers, we would not be doing this job at all. We really rely on them to come everyday. They’re faithful and they’re very dependent,” said Johnson.

Last year, Broome County Toys for Tots supported more than 2,500 children. That number is already up this year.  Officer Marshall and his volunteers know just how important their work is to the community. 

“A lot of these families wouldn’t have anything for Christmas to put under the tree for their children so it feels really good to be able to know we’re helping the families,” said Marshall.

If you can’t make it to a drop-off site, Toys for Tots is accepting online donations, as well.