Businesses hope incentives will spur Toys for Tots donations

April Kellogg
As seen on My Fox Tampa Bay

Tampa – We all know the saying: It's better to give than to receive. This year, you can do both.

Toys for Tots is now collecting donations all over the Bay Area, and this year many local businesses are offering incentives in the hopes of encouraging their customers to donate.

Ice Cold Air Auto Repair in Tampa is one such business, offering a free oil change or $20 off a service for a toy donation.

"I've seen a lot of people say that I'm glad because I can't help them out, this helps me out and I need work on my car and would like to help local charities, but money is tight for me this year," explained Matthew Dolly with Ice Cold Air.

AllStar Athletic Apparel is also stiching up a deal for donors; giving a free holiday or patriotic T-shirt in exchange for a toy.

"It's the Christmas spirit," said store owner Mike Goicoechea. "You give, not to receive, but it's nice to get a little something."

Goicoechea is a former Marine who collected and delivered toys while in the service.

"It does hit home because I know that the program has been around for many years and it actually works and helps," he said.

The U.S. Marines are asking that new, unwrapped toys be placed in their donation boxes now through December 17. For more information and drop-off locations, go to tampa-fl.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.asp

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