The holidays are coming to Lake and Sumter Counties, and Phillips Buick GMC is proud to once again serve as an official Toys for Tots drop-off location. From now through December 4, bring a new, unwrapped toy to our dealership at 2160 US Hwy 441/27 in Fruitland Park, and you'll help put a gift under the tree for a local child who might otherwise go without. Whether you live right here in Fruitland Park or drive in from Leesburg, Lady Lake, The Villages, Tavares, Eustis, Mount Dora, Wildwood, or Bushnell, our showroom is an easy stop on US 441/27. Drop off a toy on your way to work, during a service visit, or while you're out holiday shopping. How to donate a toy at Phillips Buick GMC Where: Phillips Buick GMC, 2160 US Hwy 441/27, Fruitland Park, FL 34731 When: Now through December 4, during regular dealership hours What to bring: New, unwrapped toys for children of all ages Look for: The Toys for Tots collection box in our showroom Gifts for older kids and teens are always in high demand. Think sports equipment, art supplies, board games, headphones, books, and gift-ready items for ages 10 to 14. Every toy collected here stays local and goes to families in Lake and Sumter Counties. A brief history of Toys for Tots Toys for Tots began in 1947, when U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks and his wife, Diane, collected and handed out about 5,000 toys to children in Los Angeles. The idea worked so well that the Marine Corps adopted it nationwide the following year. In 1991, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation was created to support the program. Today it is overseen by a board of veteran Marines and business leaders and backs nearly 800 local campaigns across the country every year, including the one serving our community. The mission has stayed the same for more than 75 years: give children in need a reason to smile at Christmas and send them a message of hope. The good Toys for Tots does in Lake & Sumter Counties The local campaign is a true community effort. It was started about two decades ago by Marine Corps League Detachment 1267, and in its early years it served roughly 500 children. The growth since then has been remarkable. In 2024 alone, Toys for Tots of Sumter and Lake Counties distributed 67,703 toys to 19,323 children. Volunteers place hundreds of collection boxes across both counties each season, and every toy is sorted, packed, and distributed by local volunteers who give their time so families from Clermont and Groveland to Oxford and The Villages can enjoy the holidays. Phillips Buick GMC is proud to be part of this story. Not only are we a drop off location for donations, but one of the main toy distribution centers for Lake and Sumter Counties took place our nearby Phillips Collision Center. More ways to help Can't make it to the dealership by December 4? You can still support Toys for Tots in Lake and Sumter Counties: Shop online for a local child through the Lake & Sumter Toys for Tots virtual toy box. Make a monetary donation on the local campaign's website at oxford-fl.toysfortots.org. Funds help buy toys to fill gaps, especially for older kids. Volunteer to sort and distribute toys during the busy season. Families who need assistance this year can request toys through the same local Toys for Tots website. Stop by and make a child's holiday brighter At Phillips Buick GMC, we believe a great dealership is part of a great community. Thank you to everyone in Fruitland Park, Leesburg, Lady Lake, The Villages, and all of Lake and Sumter Counties who brings a toy through our doors. Every new, unwrapped toy makes a real difference to a child right here at home. Drop off your toy by December 4 at Phillips Buick GMC, 2160 US Hwy 441/27, Fruitland Park. Click here for directions. We'll see you soon, and happy holidays from all of us at Phillips Buick GMC!
