Toys For Tots Distributes Gifts To Miami Valley Children

Thousands of people lined up at distribution sites across Dayton and Huber Heights on Saturday to collect free toys for children from Toys for Tots.

Toys for Tots is a U.S. Marine Corps program that collects new, unwrapped toys to give to needy children for Christmas.

The distribution took place later than scheduled because of an arrest of a volunteer coordinator with the organization. Natasha White is accused of stealing thousands of dollars in gift cards donated to Toys for Tots.

Melissa Rodgers, who lined up to receive toys for her family, said it’s a shame someone would allegedly do that.

“There’s a lot of people standing here and she stole from everyone here,” Rodgers said.

Police said White spent about $4,000 worth of Toys for Tots gift card contributions on herself.

“They are just taking away from the kids,” said Brittney Trammell, who was at Saturday’s distribution. “I think it’s wrong. I really do.”

Despite the criminal allegations against White, officials said Saturday’s distribution had enough toys for all of the families that lined up to receive gifts.

Officials said they gave toys to approximately 6,000 families this year, which doubles the number of families served last year.

The toy distribution sites were held at six Instant Tax Services locations in the area.

A preliminary hearing for White is scheduled for Dec. 23. She is in jail on $100,000 bond.