Brevard County

Toys 4 Tots South Brevard needs volunteers to help keep holidays bright for families in need

MELBOURNE, Fla. — Like many nonprofits that help the community, Toys 4 Tots South Brevard sees more need than in previous years.

The organization is also seeking more help to brighten the holidays for thousands of children and their families.

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Toys 4 Tots South Brevard will need volunteers to sort and distribute toys from 9 a.m. until noon Thursday through Sunday.

“I keep getting messages from families that are requesting toys. And some of them tell me the situations they’re in, and it’s been hard,” said Max Nissenbaum, with Toys 4 Tots.

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The nonprofit is working to fulfill gift requests for more than 1,200 families and 11 charities.

Space in Melbourne was recently donated to help get it all done.

But in some areas, the cupboard is still bare.

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“We are struggling with older kids, 11 and up, and newborns up to about age 2,” Nissenbaum said.

Depending on how well the donation boxes do over the next several days, the organization may be able to brighten the holidays for a few more children.

“From what I’ve seen, a lot of families are struggling. And they’re desperate. They want to make sure their kids are happy, and that’s important to me or the families and the kids,” Nissenbaum said.

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Families still in need of toys have until Tuesday to register on the Toys 4 Tots South Brevard website.