'Army of Toys' drive kicks off in Austintown
AUSTINTOWN Community members are invited to join in on the kickoff event for the "Army of Toys" drive that includes several locations of The Salvation Army in the Mahoning Valley.
The toy drive aims to provide Valley children with a toy for Christmas when they may not have received one.
"We appreciate every individual, business and organization who helped us collect well over 20,000 toys in 2024," said Major Paul Moore of the Salvation Army.
In 2025, organizers are hoping to gather 20,000 toys with the aim of distributing them to over 2,000 families.
The kickoff festivities take place on Saturday, November 8, from noon to 10 p.m.
Two businesses are hosting Valley bands as part of the kickoff event.
Santa will be arriving by helicopter at 2 p.m.
Quaker Steak and Lube, located at 5800 Patriot Boulevard in Austintown, and Youngstown Harley-Davidson, located at 5700 Patriot Boulevard, will be participating.
Bands setting up and performing include:
- Twin B
- High Noon Nation
- Super Star
- Relapse
- 5th Gear
- 80's Proof
- SDJ Cruz Control
- Decades
In addition, those in attendance are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy with a $10 value or more to donate.
Those who donate a toy meeting the criteria will be entered into an hourly prize drawing during the festivities.
A full list of locations that toys can be dropped off at can be found on the "Army of Toys" drive website.
