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Toys for Tots: A helping hand for the holidays

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By Marlene McTigue

Capital Region Independent Media

Riverview Missionary Baptist Church is collecting names of families in need of a helping hand to ensure every child gets a gift this holiday season. Courtesy of Pexels

COEYMANS—Riverview Missionary Baptist Church is once again operating its annual Toys for Tots campaign, thanks to the dedication of local volunteers like Rosa Rivera.

After years of assisting the Rev. Dr. Roxanne Jones Booth, who recently retired, Rivera has taken over the campaign with guidance from Pastor Reginald Graham. Determined to keep the tradition alive, Rivera has already begun working to ensure children in need receive holiday gifts.

Rivera emphasized the importance of community participation, urging locals to help spread the word about the campaign to families who may need assistance.

“If anybody is in need of help this year, they need to let me know,” Rivera said. “I’ve been posting on social media, and people can reach me by phone or email.”

To sign up, parents or those nominating families should provide the children’s first names, ages, and gender, as well as the contact information of the person coordinating on their behalf. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 17.

The church has ample volunteers to help manage the logistics, but Rivera encourages people to contribute gifts to Toys for Tots bins when they see them.

“I don’t want any kids to go without this year,” she said.

While the church primarily serves the local area, they also reach families beyond Coeymans, with their support extending as far as Albany.

Rivera’s role in the campaign holds personal significance, as she was once a recipient of similar support. Reflecting on her own childhood, she shared, “When I was younger, my mom had to turn to programs like this for help, especially during tough times. It’s rewarding to give back to the community that helped us when we needed it.”

The church is committed to respecting the privacy of families. Individuals can sign up other families in need and pick up the gifts when they are ready or have the recipient family collect them.

Riverview Baptist Church’s Toys for Tots campaign is dedicated to spreading holiday joy and supporting families in need, bringing community members together in the spirit of giving. For more information or to register, contact Rosa Rivera at 518-267-0584 or via email at rosesun29@gmail.com.

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