Long Wharf Theatre Serves as Drop-Off Center for Toys for Tots thru Dec 22

Long Wharf Theatre will be a Toys for Tots drop-off center from now through December 22, 2013.

Members of the community can drop new, unwrapped toys in collection boxes at Long Wharf Theatre, from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, or up until show time on performance days. Marines pick up these toys and store them in central warehouses where they are sorted by age and gender. At Christmas, the United States Marines, with the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups, and other local community agencies, distribute the toys to the less fortunate children of the community.

According to Toys for Tots, the objectives of the organization are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

LCpl Mathew J. Pellegrino, a longtime Long Wharf Theatre staff member and United States Marines reservist who has served in Afghanistan, recommended that the theatre participate in the yearly event. He said it was the Toys for Tots drive that made him want to serve as a Marine. "Every Marine has something important to him. The fact that these gruff warriors can do something that is so outstanding and so outside the stereotype of being a Marine, is something I am immensely proud of. To have Long Wharf Theatre work with the Marines to give toys to needy children is one of the best things we can do," Pellegrino said.

For more information about Long Wharf Theatre's 2013-14 season call 203-787-4282 or visit www.longwharf.org. For more information about the Toys for Tots program, visit www.toysfortots.org.