The Central Montgomery County Director of the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Program, Howard Quinn, says he sees a decline in donations this year at a time when the need is greater than ever. “We’re looking at probably a 20 to 30 percent increase in the children that need toys this year, and so far our collections are down from last year by probably 50 percent at this time.”

Quinn says collection boxes will be out for about two more weeks, and the greatest need is for babies from newborn to one year and children between the ages of 8 and 16.  He says you can get drop-off locations by going to www.toysfortots.org on the internet, clicking on Pennsylvania, and then clicking on your local area.

Keystone Opportunity Center Executive Director Rich Aichele says the economy is also straining his agency’s ability to provide services, and the needs are greater than the resources.

“Usually this time of year people are really thinking about giving and donating, and they do well.  That happened last year as well, and by June money had pretty much run out for rent and utility assistance and car repairs.  We encourage people to give now, but think about Keystone and the people in need all year ‘round.”

Aichele urges people to give what they can to support the Keystone Opportunity Center’s food, housing and adult literacy programs.  He and Quinn appeared Tuesday on the WNPV talk program Comment Please by Univest.