ADA, Michigan — Deep within the hustle and bustle of an Amway warehouse in Ada Township lies thousands of toys waiting to be distributed to kids across West Michigan.
Toys for Tots is storing and sorting through donated toys this season at the warehouse. In the days before their distribution day, the warehouse is busy.
Kent County Toys for Tots Organization Coordinator Liz Gromko gave 13 ON YOUR SIDE a behind the scenes tour of the sorting process.
The sorting process is a big undertaking, as organization leaders say they're working to provide toys to thousands. Last year, leaders say they gave toys out to 11,500 kids. They expect that number to be even higher this year.
The week leading up to distribution is the organization's busiest, says Gromko.
"That's when we make sure everybody's got all their stuff, we start delivering to the sites so that the people that run those sites can start preparing, because the day of is crazy," Gromko explains.
All of this work goes to help struggling families across West Michigan.
"Everybody's struggling with food insecurities and stuff and and now they're worried how they're going to get toys for their kids for Christmas," said Gromko. "And so that's where we step in and try to do the best we can. So every child has a great Christmas."
If you'd like to help donate, we have more information here.