Toys for Tots distribution

Under 2 continue to be exempt from we are less than a week from distribution day for toys for tots in north iowa.

But donations are still needed.

Kimt news 3's alex jirgens is live in mason city.

Alex?.xxx george ?

"* volunteers spent the day here at the salvation army organizing boxes of toys that have been donated for distribution to families in need set for next week.

This is from earlier today ?

"* with students from st ansgar and central springs schools organizing what has been donated so far.

But, toy count is down ?

"* roughly a third of what they usually get.

In addition ?

"* cash donations are about 20 thousand dollars right now compared to the typical goal of 55 thousand yearly.

Coordinator ernie martinez is encouraging more donations ?

"* and has heard ofa greater need in places stretching from howard county down "it's getting out there probably more need in these counties than we ever had.

A lot of new ones, newer people that need toys for their kids."

Toy and monetary donations are still being accepted at drop off sites across north iowa ?

"* and we'll have a list of those sites under this story at kimt dot com.

If you're looking to donate toys ?

"* martinez says there's a greater need for older boys and girls.

Live in mason martinez says for each dollar donated ?

"* 97 cents goes directly to buy toys ?

"* and is not used for wages ?

"* with the remaining 3 cents going towards promotion of the program and drop off boxes.///