Alison Shores sits down with Greg and Michelle from Toys for Tots Camden/Charlton to unpack how the local campaign truly works—and how the whole community can get involved. Instead of pre-packed toy bags, their team runs a full “shopping mall” experience where registered parents choose age- and gender-appropriate gifts with the help of a volunteer shopper. The conversation covers why cash donations are crucial for serving teens, the many volunteer roles needed before and during the big event, and how the campaign remains community-owned—housed at Restoration Church but powered by partners and volunteers across Camden and Charlton Counties. They share key deadlines (registration closes Nov 1; toy collection through Dec 12; distribution on Dec 13), emphasize that 98% of funds go directly to toys (with ~2% covering essentials like volunteer meals, tables, and shirts), and celebrate five years of growth—now serving 6,000 children and expanding to Charlton. Listeners get clear next steps to donate, host a toy box, volunteer, or register for assistance.

Full Show notes

https://camdenchamber.com/getnyour-bis/toys-for-tots-camden

🎄 Toys for Tots Camden/Charlton | Get ’N Your Business Podcast

00:00– Intro & Sponsor Shoutouts 00:40– Meet Greg & Michelle from Toys for Tots Camden/Charlton

01:10– What Is Toys for Tots?

02:00– Why Cash Donations Matter – Helping Older Kids Too

03:00– Turning the Toy Drive into a “Shopping Mall” Experience

04:40– How the Parent Shopping Experience Works

06:00– Volunteer Roles & How You Can Help

07:10– Fundraisers, Partnerships & Community Support

08:15– Where Donations Go – 98% Directly to Toys

09:10– How to Register for Assistance 10:00– Expanding to Charlton County & Serving 6,000 Kids

10:45– Community-Owned, Not Church-Owned

11:40– How to Host a Toy Box & Use the Website/App

12:50– Important Dates: Registration, Toy Drop, Distribution 13:30– Top Gift Ideas for Teens

14:30– Final Thoughts – How You Can Make Christmas Brighter

15:00– Closing Remarks & Thank You