Lowndes and Butler County Toys for Tots organizers have announced they will not provide toys for local children this year. According to program coordinator, Michele Sousa, the decision came after a steady decline in the resources and support needed to keep the effort going.
“Donations of toys and funding dwindled in both counties last year,” Sousa said. “Financially, a lot of people cannot afford giving toys and we don’t have the bigger businesses participating like we did in the past.”
The volunteer-led organization helps nearly 6,000 children in Lowndes and Butler counties each Christmas. In addition to providing toys for families who apply, the organization traditionally helps provide Christmas for children in foster care, when needed…