Toys for Tots collections continue

Toys for Tots collections in St. Mary Parish are going well, according to Bill Goessl, St. Mary Detachment Toys for Tots coordinator.
Saturday’s Stuff the Army Truck event “went really, really well. If we can get Walmart’s permission, that’s something we’re going to have to do every year,” Goessl said.
The group received four boxes of toy donations and “a lot of cash we can turn around into toys,” he said.
Overall, collections are being received at a good clip this year, especially at the local dollar stores, which have already filled their boxes twice, he said, adding that collections are expected to pick up pace beginning Black Friday and into December.
Goessl said the group has received its first batch of applications processed by St. Mary Outreach and will begin filling orders.
There is still time to apply.
Applications are being accepted at St. Mary Outreach, 608 First St., Morgan City, for east St. Mary applicants and at St. Mary Chamber of Commerce, Room 304, at St. Mary Parish Courthouse in Franklin, for west St. Mary applicants.
Applicants must be qualifying custodial parents of children 12 years and younger. They must bring picture identification, Social Security card, birth certificates for the qualifying children, proof of income for current month, and all current monthly bills.
St. Mary Outreach is open 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to noon Fridays.
The deadline for application is Dec. 5, Goessl said.
Distribution will be 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at the VFW hall in Morgan City for east end applicants and at the chamber office in Franklin for those residing west of the Calumet Cut.
St. Mary Detachment 600 of the Marine Corps League is in charge of the event. Every year the Toys for Tots campaign helps more than 1,300 St. Mary Parish children have a happy Christmas.