Toys for Tots just 8,000 toys from reaching goal

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Toys for Tots warehouse. Toys are coming in, just as fast as they are going out.

Toys for Tots Co-Coordinator Virginia Cardinal said, "A madhouse. (laughs) we have toys coming in, we're working, sorting making orders, trying to get everything out for Friday."

Cardinal says with students leaving for the holiday break this Friday, the deadline is ticking to get the toys out to organizations and schools, and in the hands of kids.

"Donations have been amazing, everyone in Fresno County has done a great job., but we are falling 8,000 toys short right now," said Cardinal.

Toys for Tots needs just 8,000 toys to reach its goal of providing a Christmas present for every kid. Wednesday, they got some help from local financial group Thiesen Dueker. They've been collecting toys from their clients and matching them for the past month.

Lance Dueker with Thiesen Dueker Financial Consulting Group said, "It's great. When life has been good to you it makes you feel, when you can do something and give back to someone who is less fortunate."

Toys for Tots say they have 70 organizations waiting to pick up boxes of toys. Right now they're in need of toys for children ages infant to three and eight to twelve. Gifts can be dropped off at Toys R Us or Hedricks Chevrolet in Clovis.

Cardinal said, "If toys are still coming in I will work up until Christmas day if I have to get the kids the toys, so that's the goal of Toys for Tots, everyone deserves a toy."

Organizers are hoping others have a heart to help in these final hours.