Help make ‘Toys for Tots’ a success

As people are shopping for deals over the holidays, Les Luder hopes they’ll keep the children in mind.

Luder, a Superior firefighter, coordinates the Toys for Tots program, which provides toys to about 1,200 children in need each year.

This year, the program has received a boost from local tattoo artists, day care families and motorcycle riders. But more toys are needed. Currently, there are only four drop-off sites for donations — all three fire stations in Superior and Thatcher’s Auto Center, 5810 Tower Ave.

More drop off sites, in particular sites in the rural areas, would help, Luder said.

Volunteers are also needed to help with toy distribution. If any business, organization or individual wants to set up a drop-off site or volunteer, they can call the Superior Fire Department at 715-394-0227 and ask for Les.

As of Wednesday morning, approximately 300 families had signed up for help over the holidays, which includes Toys for Tots, Christmas food baskets, the Adopt a Family program and the Teen Shop.

Douglas County residents can still sign up for the programs through Nov. 30 at the Salvation Army, 916 Hughitt Ave. Sign up hours will be 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

In order to apply for the programs, people must present a photo ID, proof of address, such as a utility bill or other piece of mail, and social security cards for all members of the family.

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