The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative's group of employee volunteers, NOVEC HELPS, is collecting new unwrapped toys, gift bags, and wrapping paper for the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots project through Dec. 9.
Donations may be dropped off at its NOVEC office on 10323 Lomond Drive
Manassas. Hours are 8:15 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday-Friday
The Marine Corps Reserve is a 501(c)(3) organization that uses the annual charity drive to "motivate less fortunate children to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders."
This year, John Deitle, a retired Marine who has coordinated the region's Toys for Tots drive for several years, says the organization especially needs gifts for area adolescents and teens: "We always receive lots of toys for toddlers and children under 10, but we need gifts for older children. They often have to watch their younger brothers and sisters open gifts while there's nothing for them."
Deitle, a NOVEC employee, also points out that gifts do not have to be toys: "Many youngsters love books, and they often need winter hats, scarves, and gloves."
The local Marine Reservists say they need gift bags — especially extra-large bags that can cover a bicycle or tricycle — wrapping paper, tape, and ribbon.
Charity Navigator, an independent watchdog organization that evaluates charitable organizations in the U.S., lists the Toys for Tots Foundation as a top-rated charity. Last year, 96 percent of all donations went toward providing toys, books, and other gifts to less fortunate children. Less than 4 percent was spent on fundraising and overhead.
NOVEC is a not-for-profit electric utility corporation that supplies and distributes electricity and energy-related services to almost 164,000 metered customers in Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and Clarke counties, the Town of Clifton, and the City of Manassas Park. For more information, visit www.novec.com.