By Stephanie Smith, Building Kentucky
Representatives from Marine Toys for Tots, Paristown, WLKY and Stock Yards Bank & Trust came together in November to kick off the 2024 WLKY/Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign as organizers and shared the importance of donating toys for older children this holiday season.
Stock Yards Bank & Trust is the presenting sponsor of Fête de Noël and the Louisville-based community bank has once again stepped up to collect Toys for Tots donations at its 41 branch locations. Donors can also drop off toys at Paristown, all Louisville and Jefferson County fire departments and through a special drive-up lane at the UAW 862 Union Hall, 3000 Fern Valley Rd. in Louisville.
“As a community bank, it is important that we support and uplift our neighbors. We are excited to once again sponsor Fête de Noël, collect toys at all our area locations and encourage the community to stop by any Stock Yards Bank & Trust location to make your donation,” said Phil Poindexter, President, Stock Yards Bank & Trust.
Last year, 21,888 Louisville-area children received more than 62,000 toys. This year, thanks to generous toy donations for younger children, Toys for Tots needs toys for children ages 10-16. For a complete list of the most requested toys, please visit this website.
Suggested gift items for older children include:
- BOYS: Legos, action figures, Star Wars, science kits, STEM toys (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), remote-controlled cars, board games
- GIRLS: Barbie dolls and accessories, tie dye kits, jewelry kits, arts and crafts sets/kits, science kits, STEM toys, karaoke systems
Suggested gift items for teenagers include:
- BOYS: Axe sets, basketballs (regulation boxed), cologne sets, dart boards, earbuds, electronic table games, headphones, skateboards, scooters, tablets, watches
- GIRLS: Bath gift baskets /sets, blow dryers, curling irons/flat irons, earbuds, headphones, makeup gift sets, perfume sets, skateboards, scooters, tablets, watches
“Last year, we distributed more than 62,000 toys to 21,888 area children – an amazing show of community support,” said Cletis Evans, Louisville-area Toys for Tots Coordinator. “This year, we want to stress the need for toys geared towards teenagers and children ages 10 and up to ensure all local youth have the best holiday experience possible.”
A 12-hour challenge, hosted by UAW 862, will take place, 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Friday, December 6, at Paristown’s Fête de Noël celebration, 724 Brent St. All toys from Stock Yards Bank & Trust and other community collection sites will be delivered to Paristown.
“We are honored to have Stock Yards Bank & Trust as Fête de Noël’s presenting sponsor again this year,” said Steve Smith, Paristown’s Managing Partner. “In conjunction with Fête de Noël, this great community bank and their customers will once again amass an enormous toy donation this year, bringing smiles and joy to children throughout the area.”
Make monetary donations online at Louisville Toys for Tots or mail checks to PO BOX 19524 Louisville KY 40259.
