The recalls of millions of Chinese-made toys this year are making more work for charity volunteers during the holidays. They're working overtime, making sure they don't pass along toys with lead to needy children.
Because of all of the recalled toys, the marines have had to check and double check to make sure all of these toys are lead free and safe for kids. Any dangerous toys are separated.
Like many charities, the Salvation Army is also collecting toys. Officials told Eyewitness News they will need to collect more then 16,000 toys this year. That's up from the 14,000 needed last year.
The toys have been coming in at a good pace, but that's keeping workers busy keeping an eye out for toys with lead. Toys that are on the recall list are put in a separate room, so that they are not given away.
Charles Desiderio, with the Salvation Army, said, "There is always the possibility that a toy could sneak by us because there are so many on the recall list, but we are doing our best."
Salvation Army officials are asking that anyone donating toys check to make sure the toys they donate have not been recalled. They will also be putting notes in every toy bag that's given away, asking parents to double check to make sure the gifts are safe.
One way to avoid the hassle of having to check recall lists for dangerous toys is to donate gift cards. That way the kids can buy what they want.
All of the toys at the Marines Corps Reserve "Toys for Tots" warehouse that are tainted with lead will be sent to a recycling company so they don't wind up in the hands of children. Any toys that they buy that are tainted with lead will be returned to the store where they were bought.
Channel 8 is partnering with the Marines Reserve for the "Toys for Tots" drive. Many toys have been donated so far, but many more are still needed to make sure that every child will have something under the tree on Christmas Day.
If you'd like to donate to Toys for Tots, we'll be taking donations until Friday, Dec. 14.
You can drop off new, unwrapped toys at Channel 8. We are located at 3228 Channel 8 Drive, between Las Vegas Blvd. and Paradise, and Desert Inn and Convention Center Drive.
There are also several other drop off sites that will be accepting toys until Wednesday, Dec. 19.
E-mail Eyewitness News Reporter Travell Eiland.
