On, Saturday, December 17, 2016, from 2-6 p.m., the Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation and Beautiful Wings Academy will host a Toys for Tots East Metro event for families with children who are struggling during the holidays to put presents under the tree. The event will take place at 2547 Parkway Drive in Lithonia, GA, and is being hosted by the Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation and Beautiful Wings Academy.

Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve that distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. Toys for Tots also creates strategic partnerships with local nonprofits that have a strong connection to their local communities.

“Every day I work with parents who struggle just to provide their children with the basics–food, clothes and shelter. Sometimes, even the basics are overwhelming when a family is in crisis,” said event coordinator, Annise Mabry. “When The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation was selected by Toys for Tots to provide toys to families in need, this spoke to my core. I wanted an opportunity to lighten the load of these families who are doing their best often in situations that I can’t even imagine.”

Mabry said she believes Christmas is an important holiday, especially for children.

“It is important for Toys for Tots to be present in the communities and in the lives of families who need help the most especially at this time of the year.”

Toys for Tots collects toys for children through age 12. The toy drive will also be collecting gift cards for children over 12. Mabry says many of the families she works with have children over the age of 12.

Partnering with Beautiful Wings Academy simply made sense for Mabry. “When nonprofit agencies work collaboratively, communities win. I just don’t have the heart to turn away any family member or to only give toys to the small children. Every child matters. Every child deserves a Christmas to remember,” she said.

Toys can also be dropped off at 8134 Geiger Street, NW, Suite 12, Covington, GA 30014.