Children in Tuscaloosa Surprised with New Backpacks and Toys!

The Marine Toys for Tots Program’s initiative, Operation Turn the Page, has been in full swing during the months of August and September. Toys for Tots and a network of nonprofits have distributed backpacks, books, and school supplies to economically disadvantaged children gearing up for the school year.

Students attending Alberta and Holt Elementary Schools in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, received these gifts through Good360’s Community Redistribution Partner, High Socks for Hope.  In 2011, Tuscaloosa was devastatingly impacted by an outbreak of deadly tornadoes. Seeing the turmoil caused by tornadoes in his hometown, Tuscaloosa native and then-Yankees relief pitcher, David Robertson, and his wife, Erin, created a relief organization to support their neighbors. The organization came to be known as “High Socks for Hope” because of Robertson’s long-time habit of wearing tall socks high up over his baseball uniform.

Thanks to High Socks for Hope, 261 students attending Alberta Elementary School and 214 Holt Elementary School students received backpacks from Backpack Connection and each child received three brand-new toys provided by Marine Toys for Tots. The schools are located in economically disadvantaged areas and families living throughout the school district struggle to make financial ends meet and are unable to provide many ‘extras’ for their children.

These distributions were a welcome surprise and reminded children in need that there is hope for a brighter tomorrow. Toys for Tots is turning the page on poverty on gift at a time.