Annual Toys for Tots drive at Cardi's

(WPRI) -- It's time for the annual Toys for Tots collection drive. It's such an easy way to give back during the holiday season.

NiRoPe, Nick, Ron and Pete Cardi, along with Staff Sergeant Michael Cremin from the U.S. Marines and local coordinator for Toys for Tots joined The Rhode Show to talk about this year's collections at all of the Cardi's Furniture locations.

The Rhode Show: Nick, Cardi’s has been doing this for some time now.

Nick Cardi: That’s right, 29 continuous years of collecting toys for those in southern New England who need some help during the holiday season. All our showrooms have donation boxes and you can bring in your donation now through December 23, and we’ve really seen it become a great holiday tradition with families, and now that we’ve been doing it for 29 years, we’re seeing kids from 29 years ago, all grown up bringing their families in and continuing the tradition.

The Rhode Show: Another tradition has been the special collection days you do with your radio sponsors.

Ron Cardi: That’s right, we’ll always take the donations, but on a few days we try to have a little extra fun. So, on December 8, B101, Coast 93.3 & 94 HJY will be at our stores for our annual Saturday drive. On December 12, Cat Country 98.1, as well as The Rhode Show, will be broadcasting live from our South Attleboro Cardi’s Furniture location in the morning with a chance at some great prizes for those who come out that morning!  In the end, it’s all about giving children in our community the reason to smile on Christmas morning!

The Rhode Show: We’re certainly looking forward to those, and the program would not be possible without the organization of the U.S. Marines. So, Staff Sergeant Cremin, how is the collection going and how does that line up with the need?

Staff Sergeant Cremin: As usual, the collection in this state, the generosity that’s out there is unbelievable. But, I have seen that numbers are down; and toywise, we have over 2,000 families that are registered for toys so far. We are seeing an increase in the need, but the generosity that’s out there, I’m confident that the community will pitch in and help us out. Cardi’s has been unbelievable with us. Normally I just call Cardi’s and say this is what my shortfall is and they’ll find it for us.

The Rhode Show: Pete, this is a program that Cardi’s really does look forward to each year.

Pete Cardi: It's important to be active in our community, and we support the U.S. Marines because of all they do, along with all branches of defense, it’s the least we can do to show our support to them as they go above and beyond the call of duty. We’ve worked with many coordinators and marines, both locally and from around the country, and they’re commitment to this program is outstanding. We thank them for their service and we’ll continue to work with Toys for Tots because it’s an important program!

The collection boxes are in all of the Cardi’s Furniture & Cardi’s Mattress locations, so bring your donations by anytime.