Lancaster Toys for Tots continues to do amazing things in our community. But it's work that can't be done alone, or without the support of many generous donors.

Lancaster Toys for Tots' latest venture, Touch-A-Truck Family Day, looks to build off that altruistic spirit and take the organization's work to a whole different level.

"We're helping kids in Lancaster County, and there's a big need in Lancaster County," said Gil Bixler, Lancaster Toys for Tots' coordinator for the last 37 years. "I've got a fantastic team of volunteers who just enjoy doing it. That's what it takes to make it all happen. They work harder than I do."

Associated with the United States Marine Corps Reserve, Lancaster Toys for Tots' Touch-A-Truck Family Day is a brand-new, kid-friendly event. It will be held outdoors at Park City Center, 142 Park City Center, Lancaster, near Tires Plus, on Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is free to attend, but families are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy. It is also being used as a way to draw attention to autism.

"Park City came to us and said, 'What do you think of this idea?'" said Bixler. "We thought it was great. The goal is to create awareness and supply toys for autism groups. Autism is more prevalent than you and I know. We want to get the public more aware of the needs of these children."

On hand that day will be nearly 100 vehicles - cop cars, fire trucks, emergency medical services vehicles and tow trucks - as well as a LifeLion helicopter and a state police helicopter. Many members and representatives of police departments from Lancaster County townships and Lancaster County's first responders will be present.

"It's helping us and it's great (public relations) for them," said Bixler of the public servants.

Up to 500 people are expected to attend.

Lancaster Toys for Tots' Touch-A-Truck Family Day will also include food trucks.

"I perceive it being a growing event every year," said Bixler, himself a retired Marine. "It'll be a lot of families, a lot of kids, a lot of fun. The state police will show the kids their helicopter. They can climb all over the fire trucks. And they can get in the cop cars and the officers will explain what they do."

Lancaster Toys for Tots also raises funds for its annual Christmas toy drive for local underprivileged children by conducting a golf outing at Overlook Golf Course in May, by hosting car shows in the spring and fall and through a motorcycle ride in October.

In 2023, Lancaster Toys for Tots distributed 63,523 toys and supported 15,138 children, mostly from Lancaster County. Those toys were provided through monetary donations to Lancaster Toys for Tots and through 7,000 collection bins placed throughout the county.

"Through those donations, we support 56 other organizations," said Bixler. "Where else can you help so many children at one time? I meet so many wonderful people in this position. I really enjoy it."

Founded in 1947 by the United State Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots is a national organization with more than 800 chapters. The Lancaster chapter of Toys for Tots began in 1987 with veterans distributing new toys from the trunk of a car.

For additional information on Lancaster Toys for Tots, go to https://lancaster-pa.toysfortots.org.