While COVID-19 has shuttered countless businesses, forced families to remain isolated in their homes, closed schools and left millions out of work, the local Toys for Tots campaign still plans to spread Christmas joy to those who need it more than ever this year.

“We at the local Toys for Tots are planning to conduct a traditional holiday campaign—collecting, and distributing toys to less fortunate children safely, despite the pandemic,” said Jodey Clements, coordinator of the Gloucester-Mathews-Middlesex Toys for Tots, which is sponsored by Middle Peninsula Detachment #1317 of the Marine Corps League.

“Physical distancing will be used while collecting and distributing toys. Volunteers will not be allowed to participate if they feel sick or display any symptoms. Toy distribution will be a mostly contactless event this year.

“Although we are not planning to sanitize donated toys, we are planning to place incoming toys into a holding status for 48 hours before they are moved i...