WACO, Texas (KWTX) – The face at KWTX for the annual Toys for Tots toy drive has a message for Central Texans on the final day of toy collecting.

Beloved KWTX weatherman Rusty Garrett said it is our duty to help each other and what better time to do that than Christmas and what better recipient of kindness than children.

“My retirement from Channel 10 in 2019 ended a 30-year career of which I have many, many memories,” Rusty said. “One of the best things I’ve ever been involved in is the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program.”

Rusty has been with us since KWTX first partnered with the Marine Corps in 1991.

He used countless weather broadcasts and appeared at Walmarts throughout Central Texas each year to ask for donations of toys to be distributed to needy children during the Christmas season.

“It challenges us as citizens to remember what we are truly charged to do,” Garrett said. “Donate to the poor and hungry, and when you offer a gift or donation to Toys for Tots, you strengthen families, not to mention the brighter smiles you put on children’s faces than would otherwise be possible,” Garrett said .

While Rusty won’t be out collecting toys during the final drive-thru on Friday as he is home recovering from his cancer diagnosis in 2022, he has a challenge for everyone.

“So I challenge you to do that. Be a helper. Be someone who will really step up and help this great program reach its goal every Christmas,” Rusty said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God bless you.”

Information about drop-off points can be found here.

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