Convoy for Tots breaks record, collects 22,000 toys

PHOTOGRAPHER: Erica Miller

The convoy started Sunday in Ballston Spa and traveled to Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

BALLSTON SPA — The fourth annual Convoy for Tots brought in more than 22,000 toys, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday.

The convoy had a goal of delivering 13,000 toys Sunday, but the final tally was 22,196, doubling a record set last year. The toys have an estimated value of more than $300,000.

“I am amazed to see the generosity of our community,” Sheriff Michael Zurlo said in a prepared statement announcing the drive’s results. “People were out collecting until the day before to make sure less-than-fortunate children experience the joy of Christmas.”

The convoy began in Ballston Spa and traveled 6 miles to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, where the toys were given to Capital Region Toys for Tots. More than 170 vehicles participated.

The Capital Region Toys for Tots campaign serves a 14-county area, from Albany north to Canada and southwest to Binghamton.

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Staff Sgt. Patrick Lurenz, assistant program coordinator for Capital Region Toys for Tots, said in a prepared statement: “The outpouring of support from this event is amazing. Capital Region Toys for Tots is honored that Saratoga County continues to support our mission year after year.”

New, unwrapped toys can still be dropped off at Toys for Tots drop boxes throughout the area, as well as at the county Sheriff’s Office.