Sparta UPS Store aids in Toys for Tots holiday season drive

Sparta - The UPS Store at 270 Sparta Ave. is joining with UPS stores across the country, to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in its annual holiday drive to provide gifts for underprivileged children. Champion NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett is also joining in the effort. Between now and Dec. 23, the UPS Store will offer customers the opportunity to purchase Toys for Tots donation cards for $1 each, with all proceeds supporting local Toys for Tots efforts. Additionally, the store is selling a limited-edition replica of the UPS Store/Toys for Tots #88 Ford racecar for $9.95, with a portion of the proceeds also benefiting Toys for Tots. The UPS stores are raising money for Toys for Tots because, with many Marines deployed around the world, it’s logistically easier for Toys for Tots to reach more children by purchasing toys at deep discounts through partner companies. In addition to fundraising efforts, the Sparta store will collect new, unwrapped toys until Dec. 15, providing an additional opportunity for the community to help local children this holiday season. “It is rewarding to know our efforts will bring a smile to a local child’s face through the gift of a new toy,” said Mike Belessis, of the UPS Store, a former Marine himself. “With many of our Marines deployed overseas, we felt it was more important than ever to support this 58-year holiday tradition.” During the Toys for Tots drive, local Marine Corps Reserve units and volunteer organizations collect and distribute toys in nearly 500 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Besides racing the specially designed #88 car, Jarrett is serving as honorary spokesman for the campaign. “A dollar doesn’t seem like much these days,” he said. “But when you think of all the love and joy it could help deliver, it suddenly feels like a million.” For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org or www.theupsstore.com.