Toys for Tots needs help finding a permanent home

We're in the midst of summer, but we're going to talk about an organization that is known for its work in the winter, that could use your help today. 

North Idaho Toys for Tots puts smiles on thousands of faces. In 2024 alone, the program distributed more than 12,600 toys and supported nearly 2,900 children throughout North Idaho. Last year, it was even more.

Many parents have come to count on this fine organization with the big heart so their kids have gifts to open on Christmas morning. What this nonprofit provides is priceless.

The local organizers behind North Idaho Toys for Tots with the Marine Corps League Pappy Boyington Detachment #966 are not the kind who seek credit for what they do, nor do they want special favors. They put in many days and nights collecting, organizing and preparing gifts to children. They have done all this without having a permanent home of their own. They are asking for help to find one. 

North Idaho Toys for Tots, powered entirely by volunteers, has been operating out of a building, for free, at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds during the holidays. While the generosity of the fairgrounds management is much appreciated, Toys for Tots would love not to have to count on them. They know the fairgrounds is busy year-round.

A permanent building would provide secure storage for toys collected throughout the year, eliminate storage costs, and allow volunteers to organize and prepare for the Christmas distribution season more effectively. 

It would also create a central location for community partnerships, toy drives, volunteer activities, and holiday distributions. With a permanent home, the organization could focus less on finding temporary space and more on serving the growing number of children and families who depend on the program. 

The ideal facility would have about 10,000 square feet of space; heating and air conditioning; plumbing and restroom facilities; plenty of parking and year-round availability, 

Their ask is a big one and anywhere else but here, highly improbable anyone could answer it. 

But because North Idaho is built on generosity, perhaps there is someone, a business or property owner, developer or philanthropist, who has such a building that could become the permanent home of North Idaho Toys for Toys. 

The impact of such a donation would extend beyond bricks and mortar. It would create a lasting legacy of hope, kindness and support for thousands of children for years to come. 

Anyone with such a building, or who knows of one that comes close to what is needed, is asked to contact the local Toys for Tots leadership team, Shannon Coder, [email protected]. 

Yes, it's summer and hard to think about toys in December, but together we can ensure North Idaho Toys for Tots has a permanent home from which it can continue delivering joy to children on Christmas morning.