It takes a lot of support to get the Ottawa County Salvation Army Toy Drive up and running to serve more than 1,000 children countywide. The effort includes the entire community, including many great organizations and businesses.

Ready to help make it happen are The Salvation Army, Kiwanis, Ottawa County Republican Women’s Club, Toys for Tots “Weapons Company 1/24” and Ottawa County Holiday Bureau. The agencies partner with other community organizations to assure that each child, up to the age of 18, in Ottawa County receives a gift under their tree this holiday season, with Kiwanis and OCRWC specifically providing items for the 15-18 age group.

By partnering, the Toy Drive and its many contributors are able to provide assistance to all who are in need and stretch donated dollars by not duplicating efforts. Because of this collaboration, last year more than 7,000 toys were distributed to children in Ottawa County.

To ensure everyone can help, toy collection boxes will be out in local stores, churches, banks and businesses starting Nov. 11 through Dec.16. All toys collected stay in Ottawa County and serve local residents in need.

To help the cause, people can drop off new, unwrapped toy donations at any of the following locations: 1812 Food & Spirits, Bassetts, Bassetts Hardware, Bethel Church in Elmore, The Beacon, Country Gentleman, Crosswinds Restaurant, Davis Besse, Ciao Bella, First National Bank, Cleats, Commodore Perry, Croghan Colonial, Crow’s Nest, Dollar General, Executive Cleaners, First Federal of Lorain, Fredrick Agency, Firelands Presbyterian Church, Libraries, Huntington Bank, JT Café,

Krogers, Lagoon Saloon, Jamestown Tavern, Erie Social Club, Chapel on The Lake, Magruder Hospital, Lakeside United Methodist Church, LaPointe United Methodist Church, Marine Max, Mon Ami, Newport Dry Goods, Northern Exposure, ODOT, Orchard Restaurant & Bar, Catawba Jewelers, R Coffee Corner, Salon 53, St. Thomas Episcopal, St. Paul Lutheran, US CBP Sandusky Bay, Trinity United Methodist Church, Pizza Hut, Woodforest Bank, The Salvation Army-Port Clinton Service Unit, or mail a donation to The Salvation Army, 1834 East Perry St., Port Clinton, Ohio 43452.

“Let’s all work together this holiday season to make sure each child in Ottawa County receives something special under their tree,” said Director Maureen Saponari of the Salvation Army. “If you would like to make a donation or have questions, please call The Salvation Army at 419-732-ARMY (2769).