TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — With many children in the community in need this Christmas season, the Terre Haute Convention Center will serve as a Toys for Tots donation site. 

Starting now until December 5, the convention center will be open to those looking to donate new, unwrapped toys for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Last year, the local program helped to make a difference in the lives of over 3,500 children across the Wabash Valley.

The local Toys for Tots helps to support children in need in Vigo, Vermillion, Clay, and Parke Counties and this year will be adding Sullivan County to the list. Toys for Tots serves children up to the age of 17, so those who donate may consider donating items such as sporting equipment, bags, balls, books, backpacks, cosmetics, purses, watch/wallet gift sets, bath gift sets, board games, radio control cars and trucks, hand-held electronics, skateboards/helmets, curling irons, hair straighteners, and hair dryers.

“We are thrilled to announce that this year marks our convention center’s first collaboration with Toys for Tots as an official drop-off location,” Tennille Wanner, General Manager of the Terre Haute Convention Center said. “By partnering with Toys for Tots, we aim to create an opportunity to promote the cause through employees, visitors, and our event-related partnerships. Our goal is to help create awareness and hopefully elevate the number of toys donated annually while sharing the joy of giving and helping to make a difference in the Wabash Valley. We invite everyone to participate with us and help make this holiday season truly special for the kids in need.”

The Terre Haute Convention Center will be open for public donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To contact the center for assistance, call 812-244-1550.