Mumbo Jumbo, a local Nor-Cal favorite band, performs at the Sept. 21 Toys for Tots Yolo County benefit concert. Photo courtesy of Toys for Tots Yolo County

YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Toys for Tots Yolo County announced Sept. 25 that their benefit concert featuring Northern California favorite Mumbo Gumbo, and sponsored by and held at Sudwerk Brewing Co., was a success.

Held on Sept. 21, the event raised more than $4,000 that will benefit local families.

Toys for Tots Yolo County Commandant Paul “Doc” Rowe thanked everyone at the event on Sept. 21.

“Since 1987, with the support of our wonderful and generous community, our organization has been able to ensure that thousands of families have presents under the tree for the holidays,” Rowe said.

Mary Gillis, Toys for Tots Yolo County program coordinator, stated at the concert that 100% of funds raised here in the county stay in the county.

“It’s important to know that your funds are helping your neighbors,” she said. “Toys for Tots has grown the last several years. We have gone from serving 600 families in 2022 to serving 800 families for the 2024 holidays. With the support of businesses like Sudwerk Brewing, Dowling Properties, Royal Guest Hotels, Walker Chiropractic and Vickers Automotive and Towing, our organization is moving forward into the 2024 holiday with the means to make serving our families easier.”

As a national program, Toys for Tots is expanding their reach to include different programs, including a birthday club where families that participate in the holiday event can come throughout the year to get toys for their children’s birthdays. Nationwide units are also organizing literacy programs to provide books in a variety of languages to local school districts and offering toys for families that have suffered adversities, such as loss of homes, due to unexpected circumstances.

Toys for Tots Yolo County officially kicked off its 2024 season on Oct. 1. Those wishing to donate toys can do so at one of hundreds of local donation stations, beginning on Oct. 28.

Financial contributions are encouraged and can be made online at https://secure.toysfortots.org/a/donatelocal?campaign.

All funds sent online are tracked by zip code, ensuring they are kept in Yolo County.

Businesses and individuals interested in volunteering during the holiday event can sign up at https://woodland-ca.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-contact-us.aspx.