VERGENNES — The Vergennes Lions Club recently heard from the Marine Corps League of Vermont, Donald G. Cook Detachment, members Herbert Drew and Gene Courtright about the Toys for Kids (formerly Toys for Tots) program the League runs each year starting around the first of November. Their goal is for every needy child in Vermont receive at least two presents each holiday season.
Last year, the Marine Corps League of Vermont gave out over 83,000 toys. Children older than 13 receive gift cards purchased with cash donations the Corps receives. Last year, over $18,000 in gift cards were given to teenagers in need. The Lions say they know some of the gift cards are used to purchase presents the kids can give to their parents.
After the presentation, the Vergennes Lions presented the Corps with a large box of toys. The Corps asked the club to donate them to an appropriate group to give to folks in need. The club said they would give them to the Vergennes Community Food Shelf for distribution.
In addition, the Vergennes Lions are doing a program this year where children in need can come to the club to pick out items they would like to give family members.  The club were contacting school administrators and clergy to get names.
Editor’s note: This article was contributed by Lion Larry Simino.