A longtime veterans organization will no longer be able to sponsor and administer the Toys for Tots campaign throughout Carbon County.

The Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corps League posted on its Facebook page that it wanted to provide the community with an important announcement regarding the Toys for Tots campaign for Carbon County.

“After careful consideration, the League has made the difficult decision that it will no longer be able to sponsor and administer the Toys for Tots campaign throughout the communities of Carbon County; Lehighton, Palmerton, Jim Thorpe, Lansford, Summit Hill, Nesquehoning, and Coaldale included,” the post states.

“This decision was not made lightly,” the organization said. “The Toys for Tots campaign is a tremendous undertaking that requires significant time, resources, volunteers, coordination, and community support. Unfortunately, the League is no longer able to fulfill the campaign at the level and capacity that this important program deserves.”

The league recognized the impact on families and thanked the businesses, organizations, individuals, volunteers, donors, and community partners who have supported Toys for Tots.

“Every toy donated, every dollar contributed, every hour volunteered, and every act of generosity has helped make a difference in the lives of local children. We are truly thankful for the community’s support and generosity,” the league said.

“While the Schuylkill-Carbon County Marine Corps League will no longer be able to administer the campaign, we hope the spirit behind Toys-for-Tots — bringing hope, joy, and generosity to children during the holiday season — will continue throughout our communities.

Amanda Pacheaco, former coordinator for the Toys for Tots campaign for Carbon County sponsored by the organization, explained the decision Tuesday morning.

“The Toys for Tots campaign is something that holds a very special place in my heart,” Pacheaco said. “The mission of making sure children experience the joy of Christmas, regardless of their circumstances, is one that I wholeheartedly believe in.”

She said, “My commitment to that mission has not changed and never will. I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to experience the campaign from the coordinator’s perspective. It gave me an even greater appreciation for the countless people who dedicate their time, energy, resources, and hearts to making Christmas brighter for children in our communities.”

However, she said. “The Toys for Tots campaign is so much more than collecting and distributing toys. There is an extensive amount of paperwork, documentation, organization, communication, scheduling, coordination, record keeping, and logistical responsibility involved.

“The volume of administrative work alone is substantial, and there are many deadlines and requirements that must be met throughout the campaign. As a mom of two younger children, a full-time teacher, and involvement in other organizations, I simply cannot continue on with the campaign and give it the time that it deserves.”

Pacheaco noted that the Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corps League “has proudly supported and committed itself to the Toys for Tots campaign for more than 25 years. That is an incredible legacy of service to the children and families in our communities.

“However, the League itself has reached a point where the demands of operating and maintaining the organization make it increasingly difficult to also take on the extensive responsibilities required to operate a Toys for Tots campaign. The league and my own decision to step away from the campaign is not a reflection of a lack of care or dedication. Rather, it is an honest recognition of what can realistically be sustained.”

Pacheaco said that the total number of children served was close to 700.

Toy drives

Susie Arner, co-director of the Palmerton Food Pantry, said the Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches will once again hold a toy drive as they’ve done the past few years.

“We will continue to serve needy families in the Palmerton Area School District and anyone referred from a CACPAC participating church,” Arner said.

In the meantime, Arner said they are looking for sponsors to assist in the cost of purchasing new toys.

She added they are accepting donations of new toys and cash donations to aid in the purchase of new toys.

To obtain a registration form, contact Arner at 484-522-8899, or sya1956@ptd.net

Arner said sign ups will be held up to and including Dec. 5. She said distribution of toys will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 12 at Bethany Wesleyan Church.

Any businesses or organizations who would like a toy collection bin to be placed at their location may reach out to Arner, and they will deliver one to their location in the next few weeks.

Fischer’s Fill the Sleigh, presented by Fischer Property Maintenance, LLC, Lehighton, plans to hold a Toy Drive and is collecting new, unwrapped toys to help local children and families this Christmas. Items needed include infant and toddler toys, dolls and action figures, cars and trucks, arts and crafts, games and puzzles, sports items, books, and gift cards for teens.

PV void

The Panther Valley School District also reacted to the news, recognizing the uncertainty this creates for families in the district. As a United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley community school district, Panther Valley is looking how to fill the void, looking to its community partners for its own collections and distribution.

“The Panther Valley School District is fortunate to have so many wonderful and generous community partners,” Emma Hope, community school coordinator, said Monday. “With that said, we are exploring opportunities to work with community organizations to fill the gap for our students and families this year. More information is expected to be shared by mid-October.”

Families should watch for additional information in the coming month, she said. Businesses or organizations interested in helping should contact Hope at the Panther Valley Elementary School.