Toys for Tots marathon weekend

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Toys for Tots Coordinator Virgina Cardinal and her daughter are making sure children throughout the Central Valley will wake up on Christmas morning feeling the magic of the holiday.

They, along with volunteers are busy sorting and distributing donations from the community.

"I want every child to have a toy and a smile on their face and to know Fresno County supports them and Santa can come through for them," said Cardinal.

This weekend, with your help, thousands of children can have that feeling at the Toys for Tots marathon weekend.

"It is a great opportunity for parents to bring their children out and show children how to donate give back to the community and teach them young," said Cardinal.

Giving back is something Cardinal and her husband passed onto their children early on.

"Growing up knowing, we could make a difference by spending time as a family was something I always felt was really special," said volunteer Madison-Brooke Cardinal.

Donations have been coming in since Halloween. They have collected around 6,000 toys, but there are 37,000 children's names on the list of recipients--a waiting list has a thousand more.

"This year were really hurting in the 4 to 7 girls. We keep shutting down the warehouse because we run out," said Cardinal.

Toys for Tots Fresno County works with close to 200 organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Salvation Army, various churches and a number of schools.

"In the next two weeks we have a lot to do but marathon weekend will come through for us."

The Toys for Tots marathon runs Friday through Sunday. Drop off a new and unwrapped toy, cash or check at the River Park Shopping Center.