At offices in Sierra, Grant, and Catron counties

SILVER CITY, NM, October 27, 2023 – The Gila National Forest is collecting new, unwrapped toys and books as holiday gifts for children in Grant County, New Mexico. Toys for Tots collection boxes will be set up at the Silver City, Black Range, Mimbres, Glenwood, and Quemado Ranger District offices.

“The holidays can be a difficult time of year for struggling families,” said Gila National Forest Supervisor Camille Howes. “We’re participating in the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program to help share the excitement of the holidays with children whose Christmas morning might otherwise be just another day. I invite members of the public to drop off toys and books at one of our collection locations.”

All toys and books collected at the Silver City, Mimbres, and Truth or Consequences locations will be distributed to Grant County children in need. Toys and books collected at the Glenwood and Quemado Ranger Districts will be distributed to Catron County children in need. Last year, Grant County Toys For Tots distributed 3,967 toys to 1,542 children in need. The deadline for giving is December 2, 2023.

Collection boxes are or will soon be set up at these Gila National Forest locations:

Black Range Ranger District at 1804 N. Date Street in Truth or ConsequencesQuemado Ranger District at 3 Lyle Loop in QuemadoGlenwood Ranger District at US Hwy 180 S. 18 Ranger Station Road in GlenwoodWilderness Ranger District at 3697 NM Highway 35 N. in MimbresSilver City Ranger District at 3005 E. Camino del Bosque in Silver City

There are also nine well-known and well-used locations at business and local government offices in Reserve, so it was felt that another drop box location in that small community was not needed at the Reserve Ranger District. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 orMaribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov .