The deadline is fast approaching for struggling families across Chautauqua County wanting to make Christmas a little brighter for their children.

And because of the pandemic, the need is greater than ever.

What You Need To Know

  • Friday is the deadline to apply for the Toys for Tots program
  • More than 3,500 children will be served this holiday season
  • COVID-19 restrictions has limited volunteers and prohibited contact with families
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There was a special delivery Wednesday at Toy Central in Falconer, the North Pole of Chautauqua County, and site of this year's Marine Toys for Tots campaign. 

"Our entire campaign has been very different. Every year we see our community come together in new ways. And I think this year has been no exception to that," said Terri Johnson, Toys for Tots coordinator.

Johnson is helping coordinate this year's effort, led by The Resource Center for 19 years.

The program is expected to serve more than 3,500 children in need this season, up from 3,200 last year.

"The community does so much for us and we want to find ways to give back to the community. And this is probably one of the largest efforts that we do. Every year is a different challenge. This year obviously has brought new challenges," said Johnson.

Johnson says coronavirus restrictions have brought with it fewer volunteers to help sort and bag toys.

It has also prohibited any contact with this year's families, as all applications are completed online.

"You get to talking to the families. You get to hear a little bit about their stories and that kind of fills our bucket to keep going. So, this year's obviously a lot different," said Johnson.

The deadline for families to apply is Friday, as there are still hundreds of orders to fill.

While fewer collection boxes are out across the county, the group is still accepting toys.

"I think we're seeing more than ever, people that have never needed help from Toys for Tots in the past reaching out this year, because of their circumstances," said Johnson.

Unlike in years past, once the orders are filled, they'll be brought to this drive-thru distribution site in the city starting on Saturday, where those in need will verify ID, pop their trunk, and pick up their toys.

"It kind of takes that personal touch out of it for us a little bit. We're hopeful that, you know, the little piece that we can bring to the table will at least give their families a happy holiday season to kind of put COVID behind them, even if it's just one morning," said Johnson.

Another distribution site is on Chestnut Street in Dunkirk.