NEW ORLEANS — With less than two weeks left until Christmas, local Toys for Tots organizers say they're short on donations, and time is running out to help.
Sgt. Robert Bacchus is the New Orleans Toys for Tots coordinator. His campaign serves Orleans, St. Bernard and the East Bank of Jefferson Parish.
“It started out really good. We had a lot of toys donated early," Bacchus said.
Local charities and schools have started picking up the presents to distribute to children in need, and they quickly realized inventory is low.
“Our projected estimates show us being short about 10,000 toys," Bacchus said.
Bacchus said his campaign's goal is to support 50,000 children. Last year, his team surpassed their goal.
“We were 30,000 toys over our goal," Bacchus said.
This holiday season, Bacchus blames fewer donations on the economy.
“If you look at, you know, how much people have to pay for insurance on their home, their vehicles, food is going up, it’s a lot of money that we’re spending for the same basic needs that we’ve been paying for for years. Essentially, I think it’s that," Bacchus said.
For those able to donate, only a few days remain. The toys are due by Friday, Dec. 15.
Right now, the campaign is in need of toys for girls of all ages and older boys.
“We’re taking that burden off of those families and providing them with that avenue to create those memories with their children," Bacchus said.
For a map of where to donate toys, click here.
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