Toys for Tots drive set to begin

The Toys for Tots program is about to swing into action for another holiday season in Kootenai County.

Sponsored since 1997 by the Pappy Boyington Detachment No. 966 of the Marine Corps League, it is estimated that toys have been provided to almost 25,000 needy children in Kootenai County since the program’s inception.

“It is our goal to provide joy and a hopeful message to the less fortunate children in our community,” states the local Toys for Tots website.

The detachment attributes the program’s success in Kootenai County to the generosity of local citizens and the more than 100 businesses that act as collection sites for the toy donations.

Applications for families to receive toys through the program will be accepted Nov. 28 through Dec. 17. The program is open to low-income families who are on public assistance and is open to children 12 and younger.

Applicants must apply in person and provide proof of participation in any of the following: Medicaid, WIC, TAFI (Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho), food stamps/Quest card (verification of active status must be provided), Social Security disability, Supplemental Security Income or military active duty. Proof of a Kootenai County residence, such as a valid Idaho driver’s license with current address, a utility bill or a rental agreement, will be accepted for verification. The parent/guardian’s name must be on the document.

Only the custodial parent or legal guardian may apply. Proof of custody for each child is needed, such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, guardianship papers, WIC, TAFI, Medicaid or an active Quest card.

Kootenai County residents who are not on public assistance but make a net income of less than 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are also eligible to participate in Toys for Tots. They will have to verify county residence and proof of custody of their children as well as bring in their last two pay stubs for the determination of their income. Federal Poverty Guidelines can be found at http://aspe.hhs.gov/2015-poverty-guidelines.

Proof of participation in one of the listed public assistance programs, proof of custody and proof of residency must be brought to the Request Center with the applicant. The Request Center is located at the American Legion Post, 1138 E. Poleline Ave. in Post Falls and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For information about donating money or toys in Kootenai County, visit coeur-d-alene-id.toysfortots.org.