NORWICH – Those gathering in downtown Norwich Saturday to enjoy the annual “Parade of Lights” are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys with them.

Why?

Because there are over 1,600 kids in Chenango County who could use them this Christmas, local “Toys for Tots” volunteer Roger Barnhart says.

Barnhart, a long-time Marine Corps reservist who’s been involved with the toy drive for 22 years, said he knew there was a need locally, but never expected there would be 1,600 kids in Chenango County benefiting from Toys for Tots gifts last Christmas. He doesn’t expect that number to decrease this year.

“If you can imagine a child without a toy on Christmas, you can understand the need for Toys for Tots,” said Barnhart.

Toys for Tots gathers and distributes new, unwrapped toys – donated from the community at large – to needy children who otherwise might not receive presents on Christmas.