Toys for Tots Drive at Murphy Insurance Supports Positive Role Models

Murphy Insurance Agency is proud to collect toys for Toys for Tots this holiday season and reaching out to the community for support to help kids and families in need. Approximately 13 million American children live in poverty. Studies show that growing up in poverty can have an adverse psychological impact on a child. Positive mentoring is one way to help children in financially challenging situations to succeed in life, but not all kids have access to formal programs. This makes alternative efforts that demonstrate positive role models essential.

The Marines' Toys for Toys program is a form of passive mentoring that can help. New toys distributed to millions of children through Toys for Tots delivers a message of hope, and the Marines, who deliver them are excellent role models.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys are needed for children ages newborn to 12 years. Toys are especially needed for the older children. "Our goal is to make it easy for people to participate with seven convenient drop-off locations," said Texeira. "Last year, we collected more than 700 toys through the generosity of our staff, customers and the general public. We also were particularly excited to have several organizations conduct mini-toy drives and use us as their drop-off point. We encourage that again.

And, this year Murphy Insurance is adding a new element to their drive by pledging to donate $1 for each new 'Like' that the Agency receives on its Facebook page by Dec. 13, up to $500," he said. "All someone has to do is visit www.facebook.com/murphyinsurance and 'Like' our page. We hope to get lots of toys and 'Likes' to make it a very successful drive."

Donations can be made at 201 Main Street in Groton or at any other Murphy Insurance location in Bolton, Harvard, Hudson, Marlborough, Medway and Mendon. For Toys for Tots gift guidelines and location directions. visit dfmurphy.com/toys. Deadline for donations is Dec. 12.