Despite tighter budgets this holiday season, the local Toys for Tots chapter is hoping to collect 27,000 toys this year.

The Toys for Tots York County chapter is looking for donations of new, non-wrapped toys for infants up to 12-year-olds.

Dave Brady, chairman for the local chapter, said he hopes people in York County will continue to give, despite the recession making the holidays tighter for families. He couldn't say if the need was higher this year because it's his first year as chairman, but he hopes just as many will donate this year as in past years. According to previous Dispatch articles, donations had reached 30,000 toys to more than 7,800 children in 2007.

"We're thankful for any assistance to provide for those in need," Brady said.

He said the cutoff to donate toys will be the second week of December and that the toys should be distributed by the following week.

The group collects and sorts the toys for different ages and by gender. He said older children tend to get the least donations.

Once the toys are sorted, they are given to one of 16 approved local toy distributors in the county.

"We're happy with the contacts we've made on the distribution end," he said of the different organizations, including Crispus Attucks Association Inc. in York, the Salvation Army in York and Mason-Dixon Community Services Inc. in Delta.

Brady said the next major donation event is the Christmas Tree Lighting event at Springettsbury Township Park on Friday, Nov.

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20. However, if people would prefer to donate money, they can donate online at york-pa.toysfortots.org.

Where to donate: Toys will also be collected at the following times and locations:

---Prince Athletic Association at 600 Richland Avenue in York each Saturday through November 28 from Noon to 4 p.m.

---The BonTon Court at West Manchester Mall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 27.

---Two-for-One admission to Christmas Magic at Rocky Ridge Park with a donation Monday, Nov. 30, Tuesday Dec. 1 and Wednesday Dec. 2. Hours are 6-9 p.m.

---The Light the Stadium event at Sovereign Bank Stadium Saturday, Dec. 5

---Mad Dog and Dave of Oldies 96.1 WSOX will host Stuff the Store at the West Manchester Mall on Saturday, Dec. 12 9 a.m. to 6p.m.

---Longaberger Basket Bingo at the Alert Fire Hall in Emigsville Sunday, Dec. 20. For tickets call 600-6329.

---$2 discount on admission with donation at Avalanche Express 4 to 10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21.

-- Reach Jessica Anderson at 505-5434 or janderson@yorkdispatch.com.