UPS teams up with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation

The nationwide Toys for Tots program recently got a big boost when The UPS Store joined forces with NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett to raise money for the program.

Now through Dec. 23, The UPS Stores will offer customers the opportunity to purchase Toys for Tots donation cards for $1 each. All proceeds support the local Toys for Tots. People can also purchase exclusive specially painted die-cast Dale Jarrett cars for $9.99, with a portion of the sale going to the Toys for Tots program.

In Carson City, the store is at 1894 Highway 50 E., Suite 4; in Dayton at 9 Retail Road, Suite 8; and in Douglas County at 963 Topsy Lane, Suite 306.

Dave and Pat Wyble, area coordinators for the Toys for Tots program, learned of the arrangement at the coordinators conference in Alexandria, Va., in September.

"We've had companies help before," said U.S. Marines CWO3 (Ret.) Dave Wyble. "But this is a large company and surely will help us bring in some big resources."

Carson City and Dayton stores owner Rod Dimmitt has a display of racecars and donation cards customers can put their name on with the requested donation of $1.

"We will ask our customers if they would like to donate to the program," Dimmitt said.

The cards look like a Christmas ornament. When filled out, they will be placed on the wall.

Dimmitt said a total of 14 stores in Carson City, Douglas County, Dayton, Reno and Fallon are participating. The goal of seven donation cards per day and sale of 36 racecars by Dec. 23 is what UPS corporate office estimates will earn the Toys for Tots program $1 million. There are more than 3,900 UPS stores in the United States.

The UPS Stores are also a drop-off location for new, unwrapped toys to be donated. The toys can be dropped off during store hours up to Dec. 15.

Pat Wyble said the program supplied toys for about 1,800 children last year in Carson City, Minden and Gardnerville, Lyon County east to Silver Springs and in Virginia City.

"We were able to get toys to everyone who asked," Dave Wyble said. "We were able to meet the needs of all age groups. We accept toys from newborn to age 14."

On Dec. 23, UPS corporate will compile all donations and cut one check to the Toys for Tots program. Toy donations are being accepted at most area drop-off sponsors until Dec. 18. Dave Wyble said they will distribute the toys Dec. 20-22.

"Until then, if we need money to buy toys, Toys for Tots will cut us a check to get them."

n Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

You can help

WHAT: Toys for Tots donation cards

WHEN: Through Dec. 23

WHERE: 1894 Highway 50 E., Suite 4; 9 Retail Road, Suite 8, Dayton; 963 Topsy Lane, Suite 306, Douglas County

DONATION: $1 for card; Dale Jarrett limited-edition NASCAR racecar, $9.99

CALL: Carson City, 887-9101; Douglas County, 267-0408; Dayton, 246-3337

HOURS: Carson City-Dayton, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday; Douglas County, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday