GAME COMMISSION PARTICIPATES IN USMC 'TOYS FOR TOTS' PROGRAM
Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that the agency is again participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves' "Toys for Tots" program by opening the doors of the Game Commission's Harrisburg headquarters to serve as a drop-off collection site.
The Game Commission's office is at 2001 Elmerton Avenue in Susquehanna Township, just off of Progress Avenue. (For those using mapping devices, the mailing address is Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.) Donations will be accepted until noon on Friday, Dec. 11, at which time all items will be taken to the USMC's central collection facility for distribution to area children.
"The Pennsylvania Game Commission, past and present, has had many men and women serve in the United States armed forces, including the U.S. Marine Corps," Roe said. "It is in their honor that we have decided to serve as a collection site for the Toys for Tots program."
"We recognize at this time of year, it is important to share with those in need.
"Much like our hunters support programs to help feed their fellow Pennsylvanians through the Hunters Sharing the Harvest, we want to support a program that has been around for 60 years to make sure that disadvantaged children are not forgotten at Christmas time.
"And, as we will see hundreds of hunters come through our doors to purchase their licenses prior to the bear and deer seasons, we encourage them to consider bringing a toy to donate to deserving children.
"We also are surrounded by many other state agencies and private business along Elmerton Avenue and surrounding roads. We welcome them to stop by and drop off their donation."
In addition to serving as a collection point for the program, for the third year, Roe announced that the agency was donating stuff black bears to the Toys for Tots program.
"Each of these 50 stuffed animals has a small tag with a bit of information about our black bears," Roe said. "The black bear is just one of the more than 460 species of wild mammals and birds that the Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible for managing. We hope that these stuffed animals will provide those who receive them some joy this season, as well as help them learn about this important part of Pennsylvania's wildlife community."
