Pictured, along with Mike Roberts, president and owner of Allied Alarm and a longtime partner of the Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County, are Toys for Tots coordinators Patrick Smeraldo, Terri Johnson, Heather C. Brown and Lynne Newman.

The Toys for Tots campaign in Chautauqua County is celebrating its 25th year of bringing holiday joy to children in need while adding efforts to the Fredonia-Dunkirk region.

Since 2000, local volunteers, businesses, and residents have united to ensure that thousands of children across the county receive gifts, hope, and the spirit of Christmas.

To commemorate the anniversary, the local Toys for Tots campaign has launched the 2025 Toys for Tots campaign in Chautauqua County. Organizers’ goal this year is to make the 25th anniversary of the local effort the most impactful one yet, with the community’s generosity helping us collect toys, raise funds, and spread goodwill throughout the region.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 25 years of coordinating this life-changing program in Chautauqua County,” said Terri Johnson, local campaign coordinator for Toys for Tots Chautauqua County. “Each year, the response from our community has been overwhelmingly positive, and together, we have brought smiles to countless children. This year, we aim to make the holiday season even brighter for local families in need.”

At the beginning of October, the application portal opened up for local community organizations and families to apply by going to jamestown-ny.toysfortots.org. By this time next month, donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted at over 120 locations throughout Chautauqua County, from Nov. 14 through Dec. 18.

Toys for Tots is a national program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, but locally, the campaign has four local volunteers to spearhead the toy drive including Heather C. Brown, Terri Johnson, Patrick Smeraldo and, new this year, Lynne Newman has joined the team to coordinate the campaign in the north end of the county.

“But ultimately it is the support of Chautauqua County residents and businesses that makes it possible to spread cheer to children in the community,” campaign organizers said in a news release.

By collaborating with local businesses, organizations, and volunteers, Toys for Tots is able to reach more families, gather more donations, and ensure that children in need experience the magic of the holidays. Whether it’s through providing donation sites, offering warehouse space, or hosting collection events, each partnership strengthens the mission to deliver toys to communities across the country. Again, this year Toys for Tots has partnered with Mike Roberts, president and owner of Allied Alarm, who provides the location for the Toys for Tots Warehouse, aka “Toy Central.”

“I’m so grateful to be part of Toys for Tots in Chautauqua County. Storing the toys and supplies all year long is more than just keeping them safe- it’s a daily reminder of the joy and smiles they’ll bring to the local kids when the holidays come around. It’s an honor to play even a small part in that happiness.” said Roberts, who has partnered with Toys for Tots for the past 11 years.

From infants to teens, the program serves children of all up to age 17. Toys can be dropped off at designated collection boxes located at local businesses. In addition to physical toy donations, monetary contributions are always appreciated and will go directly toward purchasing additional toys.

There are three main ways to participate:

– Donate a Toy: Drop off new, unwrapped toys at one participating location, or drop a top during one of several special events throughout the campaign.

– Monetary Donations: Financial donations can be made by sending a check made out to Toys for Tots Attn: Heather C. Brown, 200 Dunham Ave., Jamestown NY, 14701 or by emailing Jamestown.ny@toysfortots.org. Every dollar helps provide more toys for local children and is used to purchase toys in various age groups that are usually short on donations such as babies and teens.

– Volunteer: There are numerous opportunities to volunteer with toy collection, sorting, and distribution. Individuals and groups who wish to volunteer can email Jamestown.ny@toysfortots.org

“We couldn’t have reached this incredible milestone without the unwavering support of our community, local businesses, and volunteers,” said Johnson. “It’s because of their generosity that we’ve been able to make a real difference in the lives of so many children over the past 25 years. We’re excited to continue this tradition and make the 2025 campaign our best year yet.”

For more information about the 2025 Toys for Tots campaign in Chautauqua County, including drop-off locations, volunteer opportunities, and how to donate, visit https//jamesown-ny.toysfortots.org, or email Jamestown.ny@toysfortots.org and follow us on Facebook at Chautauqua County, New York-Toys for Tots