Boston Toys for Tots Kicks Off With 200,000-Toy Goal and Volunteer Shortage Warning

Uncategorized 2026-07-22 clip6105 · Meeting of July 22, 2026

BOSTON — Greater Boston Toys for Tots launches its 72nd annual campaign with a call for volunteers and vehicle support. Staff Sergeant Jonathan Chan, the campaign's Greater Boston coordinator, told partners and officials at the July 22 kickoff that the region is targeting close to 200,000 toys for approximately 71,000 children this season — up from 183,000 toys distributed last year — but warned that forward deployments of local Marines will leave the campaign short on labor. Chan said the campaign's more than 500 drop-off locations and 150 events across the region have outpaced the logistics capacity of the current volunteer force, and he specifically called for drivers, warehouse sorters, and organizations willing to host toy-collection events.

Mayor Walsh, Fire Commissioner Joe Finn, Norfolk County Sheriff Jerry McDermott, and City Councilor Thea Garrison attended alongside Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police, DCF leadership, and long-serving civilian volunteers. Nationally, Toys for Tots has distributed 566 million toys to more than 258 million children since its founding in 1947.

In the full story:

• Chan thanked the following organizations and individuals by name
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 1,471 words

Source: the Uncategorized 2026-07-22 clip6105 meeting of July 22, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.