Local Toys For Tots Still Needs 675,000 Toys

Thousands of needy children in metro Atlanta may not be getting presents this Christmas. One important charity said donations are down by almost two-thirds.

Toys for Tots hoped to collect 900,000 toys but will be hard-pressed to reach half that number.

“The kids just aren't going to have and it's sad," said Angela Lawrence.

Lawrence of Co-Angels Ministries said she isn’t sure what to do. She promised to help nearly 100 needy Douglas County families, including many flood victims, get toys for Christmas. But now all she has are empty stockings.

“I am disappointed, so I know they're going to be heartbroken. Just imagine a child waking up on Christmas with nothing. Nothing under the tree," said Lawrence.

Channel 2 Action News reporter Richard Elliot went to a warehouse in Marietta to find out why they will not be getting toys.

Co-Angels Ministries was supposed to get toys from Toys for Tots. The Marines who run the Toys for Tots said donations are down dramatically.

“(It's been a) very tough year. We had 900,000 toys requested of us. So far we have about 225,000 toys that have actually been donated so we're about 675,000 short," said Sgt. Ed Barrett of the U.S. Marine Corps.

If donations don’t pick up soon, there will be a lot of children, many in Douglas County, who won’t have toys for Christmas.

“If there’s anyone out there -- we need your help," said Lawrence.

To donate, please go to AtlantaToysForTots.com.