WHEELING — The U.S. Marines, in association with the local Marine Corps League, will distribute “Toys For Tots” again this holiday season.

They are seeking out families with children who would appreciate toys for Christmas, and coordinator John Labriola said those who know of such families should contact him.

He can be reached at 304-830-9200, or at wheeling.wv@toysfortots.org.

“We just want to get the word out,” Labriola said. “We will accept requests until Dec. 15. Requests for toys can come from an individual, or from an organization.”

Labriola is a retired Marine staff sergeant who serves as senior vice commandant for the Marine League in Ohio, Brooke and Hancock counties.

“Our goal is to ensure every single child in this area in northern West Virginia gets a toy this Christmas,” he said. “I don’t care of the situation. We’ll take care of it.”

There are two dates set for distributing the toys.

The first is Dec. 18 at the National Road Church of Christ, 1310 National Road in Wheeling.

The second happens Dec. 19 at the Cove Presbyterian Church next to the Millsop Community Center in Weirton.

Labriola said he expects 300 local children to be served by Toys For Tots.

In 2023, 278 children were on the organization’s list, and 1,613 toys were distributed, according to the Northern West Virginia Toys For Tots website.

Labriola noted there was a carryover of toys from last year, and as such there was not a heavy push for donations this year.

He thanked the Straub Automotive Group for its efforts.

“Their dealerships are in competition, and they have a large amount of toys they will donate next week,” he said.

He also commended the Shell Company in Newell for donating 50 bicycles to this year’s campaign.

Storing carryover toys after the holiday season is becoming an issue for the organization, and Labriola explained the local Toys For Tots is looking for a permanent location that would also serve as a year-round storage and distribution site in the future.

Those knowing of such a facility should contact Labriola at 304-830-9200.