JOHNSTON, Iowa—Fareway presented a check for $275,173.70 Monday afternoon to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program in support their 2024 Toys for Tots campaign, which provides toys to children during the holiday season. Monetary and toy donations were accepted at all Fareway store locations from Friday, November 24th through Tuesday, December 24th.
“Each year our customers continue to go above and beyond to make the annual Toys for Tots campaign a success,” said Fareway Senior Vice President of Marketing & Advertising Jeff Stearns. “We are so appreciative of their generosity and the partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps, over thirty years of making seasons bright for thousands of children.”
Toys for Tots Tuesday took place on December 17th, the effort drew donors bearing nearly 16,811 toys to drop-offs at American Equity in West Des Moines, Fareway on Oralabor Road in Ankeny and IBEW 347 in Ankeny. A live telethon hosted by KCCI-TV raised $23,005. Total toy donations more than tripled the amount collected in 2023.
“Our generous viewers continue to make us proud as we lead this annual tradition,” said KCCI President and General Manager Brian Sather. “This year, we are thrilled to announce that we collected over 16,000 toys for kids in need. We are also grateful to Fareway, American Equity, IBEW 347, Landus, and their employees who pour their heart and soul into helping ensure no child in Iowa goes without a toy during the holidays. Together, our community shows what can be achieved when we unite for a common cause.”
In 2024, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program achieved a remarkable milestone by distributing over 30 million toys, books, and other gifts to nearly 13 million children in need throughout the United States.
“On behalf of Toys for Tots, I extend our deepest gratitude to Fareway for their incredible support in 2024,” Lt. Gen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation said. “Their generous donation of $271,273.70 from their Toys for Tots Round-up campaign, along with the number of toys collected at all Fareway store locations, brought joy and hope to countless children in need this past holiday season. Fareway’s commitment to our mission exemplifies the true spirit of giving and community. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many children.”
Presenting the check to Gunnar Spafford: Maj, USMC (Ret) Deputy Vice President Marine Toys for Tots Foundation were Stacey Horst: Evening anchor, KCCI News, Mike McCormick: Chief Retail Officer, Fareway Stores, Inc and Bret Wiltse: Executive Vice President of Merchandising, Fareway Stores, Inc.
(contributed press release and photo, Fareway Stores, Inc)
