Gill Aviation at David Wayne Hooks Airport (DWH) in Houston, Texas, is partnering with Toys for Tots to provide a safe and convenient fly-in or drive-in drop-off-point for those wishing to donate toys this year.
Through Dec. 12, 2020, those flying into Gill Aviation will be able to make a toy donation at the front counter. For those driving, daily curbside concierge service is from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the facility located at 20803 Stuebner Airline, Spring, Texas, 77379. Signs at a designated parking spot located behind the ponds and next to the facility provides a number to call on arrival for a Gill Aviation staff member to come out and get the donations.
According to Jag Gill, president of Gill Aviation, the Toys for Tots program accepts only new toys for children from infants to high school — and the need has grown tremendously.
“Last year, between 11,000 to 12,000 children in Northwest Harris County benefited from the program,” Gill said. “This year, due to the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we are expecting a 30% to 40% increase in the families needing assistance.”
Gill explained that more items are needed for infants, including receiving blankets and story books. He said teens could also benefit from more donations for their age group.
Started in 1947, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program is now in its 58th year of operation and has distributed more than 750 million toys in the United States.