Otsego County Toys for Tots is a 100% volunteer-driven organization based in Gaylord, Michigan, dedicated to bringing the joy of Christmas to children throughout our community. As part of the national Marine Toys for Tots program, the local campaign is operated by dedicated community volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure children in Otsego County have gifts to open during the holiday season. Through the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and individuals, the program continues to make a meaningful difference for families right here at home.

The Otsego County Toys for Tots program is built on three core pillars that reflect its commitment to supporting local children and families, protecting their dignity, and bringing the community together through generosity and service.

100% Local Impact

Every toy and monetary donation collected through Otsego County Toys for Tots stays right here in Otsego County, directly benefiting children and families in our community.

Under the leadership of local coordinator Mike “Santa” Hoeft, the program brings together dedicated volunteers, businesses, and community organizations to collect, organize, and distribute gifts to children in need. Partners such as Northern Energy, Otsego County United Way, local schools, and countless community supporters play an important role in making the campaign successful.

The impact is remarkable. During a recent holiday season, the program distributed 12,339 toys to 1,667 local children, helping ensure that the magic of Christmas reached families throughout Otsego County.

Compassionate, Confidential & Dignified Service

At the heart of Toys for Tots is a simple belief: every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas.

The program welcomes Otsego County families who need a helping hand during the holiday season, providing assistance in a respectful and confidential manner. To protect each family’s privacy, applicants are assigned a tracking number, allowing the program to coordinate assistance while maintaining confidentiality.

Volunteers work to provide age-appropriate toys and collaborate with local initiatives, including the Otsego County Angel Tree and the Salvation Army Angel Tree at Walmart, to help provide warm clothing and other essentials.

The goal is to ensure every family feels supported, respected, and valued throughout the process.

Community Engagement & Year-Round Giving

While the holiday season is the heart of Toys for Tots, the organization’s efforts extend well beyond December.

Signature events such as the annual Stuff the Truck toy drive at Gaylord Walmart bring the community together to collect gifts and raise awareness of the program.

Throughout the year, additional fundraising and community events help support the campaign, including the Christmas in July Golf Outing at Michaywé Pines and Pictures with Santa at Ellison Place, generously sponsored by Jim Wernig Chevrolet GMC.

These events do more than raise funds and collect toys. They strengthen community connections, encourage volunteerism, and remind us of the incredible difference we can make when we come together for a common cause.

Through local generosity, dedicated volunteers, and strong community partnerships, Otsego County Toys for Tots continues to bring hope, joy, and the spirit of Christmas to children and families right here at home.

Each year, Toys for Tots relies on the generosity of our community to secure a space for its distribution center. This year, Dale Smith stepped up and graciously provided a location at 1865 O’Rourke Blvd. A huge shoutout and heartfelt thank-you to Dale for his generosity and support. It’s safe to say he’s earned a top spot on the Nice List this year!

Thanks to the incredible support of UA Local 85 Plumbers and Pipefitters (John E. Green Company, Remer Company, and Johnson & Wood), along with Chad Combs, who helped coordinate the move, and David Miller and his team at Northern Energy, who generously provided a truck and driver, we have successfully moved into our new distribution center!

This hardworking crew made quick work of transporting two large loads of supplies and toys from our warehouse to the new location. We are incredibly grateful for their time, effort, and generosity.

A special thank-you also goes to First Presbyterian Church for their generous contribution. It truly takes a community to make the magic of Toys for Tots happen!

A heartfelt thank-you to our dedicated Toys for Tots volunteers, Joyce Butcher, Wendy Butcher, and Rick and Linda Wood! Their hard work, loyalty, and continued commitment to this program make a tremendous difference. We are especially grateful for the countless hours they dedicate to helping make the holiday season brighter for local families.

Toys for Tots Applications Are Now Open!

Families in need of assistance this holiday season can now apply for the Otsego County Toys for Tots program using the link below:

Apply Here: https://tinyurl.com/48jnyddc

Applications can be completed online from any computer. The application link is also available through our Facebook page, Otsego County Toys for Tots – Gaylord, MI, or on our website at gaylord-mi.toysfortots.org.

Toy Distribution & Pickup Information

As applications are processed and orders are fulfilled, Toys for Tots will contact families directly with their assigned pickup date, time, and location.

Due to limited storage space, we kindly ask families to pick up their toys and clothing as soon as possible after receiving notification.

If you need assistance with pickup arrangements or have questions, please contact Mike Hoeft (Santa Mike), Gaylord Toys for Tots Coordinator, at 989-619-5586 or by email at gaylord.mi@toysfortots.org.

Thank you to our volunteers, community partners, and supporters who continue to make this program possible. Together, we are helping bring the joy and magic of Christmas to children throughout Otsego County!