Putnam County Launches Independent Toys for Tots Campaign

The U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program is making a strong return to Putnam County under the leadership of new coordinator Paige Chase-Novak. With a focus on ensuring local children receive gifts this Christmas, Chase-Novak is spearheading efforts to gather donations and support for the holiday toy drive.

Chase-Novak took on this role after recognizing that the county went without a Toys for Tots campaign last year due to the retirement of the previous coordinator. “I knew our families couldn’t go another Christmas without it,” she shared. “This is my community, and I wanted to make sure every child here has something to smile about on Christmas morning.” Having volunteered in various capacities for over a decade, Chase-Novak applied to lead the campaign when she learned there was no local coordinator.

Previously, Putnam County’s needs were addressed through campaigns in neighboring counties such as Clay, Flagler, and St. Johns. This meant that donations collected locally often went elsewhere. “This is the first time we’ve had our own independent campaign,” Chase-Novak explained. “Everything we collect in Putnam County will stay in Putnam County.”

Building from the Ground Up

Chase-Novak faces the challenge of organizing a countywide holiday drive without a warehouse or significant initial resources. “I’m basically building this from the ground up,” she remarked. With a small team of volunteers, she has already distributed over 60 donation boxes across Putnam County, with plans for an additional 45 boxes following the initial response. These collection points are strategically located in various areas, including Palatka, Interlachen, Melrose, and Crescent City.

A full list of donation sites is regularly updated on the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots of Putnam County Facebook page and the Palatka Daily News, which is also assisting with local outreach. The program is accepting gifts for children from infancy through age 17, a broader range than many similar campaigns that typically end at age 12. “Many families have teenagers who also need holiday support,” Chase-Novak noted.

The campaign is focused on collecting educational toys, art supplies, books, and hygiene products like bath sets and deodorant. “For teens, clothing and self-care items are great gifts,” she added. However, there are specific guidelines: the program does not accept toys resembling weapons, including Nerf guns or play swords.

Beyond the Holidays

While Toys for Tots is often associated with Christmas, Chase-Novak emphasized the program’s broader mission. Following the toy distribution in December, she plans to launch Operation Turn the Page, an initiative aimed at improving literacy by providing free books to children throughout Putnam County. “Unfortunately, a lot of kids still don’t have books at home,” she explained. “We want to change that by getting books into their hands and encouraging them to read outside the classroom.”

The local program will also collaborate with foster families, Native American support groups, and emergency relief organizations to assist children impacted by crises such as house fires or natural disasters. “Toys for Tots helps during natural disasters too,” Chase-Novak elaborated. “If a family loses everything in a fire, we can replace toys, clothes, and essentials for their kids. The goal is to give hope year-round, not just in December.”

Chase-Novak has enlisted approximately 25 volunteers and is currently training an assistant coordinator to help oversee future campaigns. She aims to secure a donated warehouse space for sorting and distributing toys before Christmas. Her message to the community is clear: “Every bit of help matters.”

“I was once a single mom with two small children, and programs like Toys for Tots made a difference for us,” she reflected. “Now my kids are grown, and it’s my turn to pay it forward to the community that helped raise us.”

For those interested in supporting the initiative, donations and volunteer inquiries can be directed to the program’s website at toysfortots.org or via email at [email protected]. Chase-Novak can also be reached at 386-301-9687. “The main thing I want people to know,” she concluded, “is that Toys for Tots in Putnam County is here to stay. This program belongs to our community now, and it’s going to make sure every child feels the magic of Christmas.”