Readers flooded Toys for Tots with gifts yesterday after the charity said it was woefully short of toys for 16,500 needy O'ahu kids.

An Advertiser story yesterday reported the nonprofit needed 3,000 toys by today to make sure each of kids it helps gets at least one toy on Christmas Day.

By last night, some 4,272 toys had been donated. And there were pledges for thousands more.

"People are bringing bags and bags of toys," said Kimm Geise, Salvation Army warehouse manager for Toys for Tots, which is operated by the nonprofit and the Marine Corps Reserve. "That's what this community does," she added.

"Now, we need to pack them up and get them out of here for delivery."

The phone for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots coordinator was also inundated yesterday, and by afternoon it wouldn't accept any more messages.

But further donations are welcomed and will allow even more kids to receive toys.

Geise said those still wishing to donate should just drop off packages if they're able.

Today is the last day donations will be accepted.

Donors yesterday came from around the island to drop off packages, and ranged from empty-nesters to big families, some saddened to tears by the thought of a child getting no gift on Christmas.

Patricia Yoshimoto and her husband, of 'Aina Haina, read about the plea for toys and felt compelled to help. Her husband owns a sports memorabilia store and planned to give as many action figures and other toys as he could spare.

Yoshimoto said she was shocked that donations to Toys for Tots were down.

"Human nature is, 'Someone else will give,' " she said.

Since Toys for Tots got more than the 3,000 toys it needed, the excess toys will be given to children who would have otherwise not been served. Geise said several agencies that serve needy kids ordered toys, but were told they would not get items because of the downturn in donations. Some of those agencies will now be told that they will get toys after all, she said.

One of the biggest pledges yesterday came from Lanakila Rehabilitation Center, which promised some 3,000 dolls and toys from its inventory of items assembled by people with disabilities.

"We were saddened to hear that they were short," said Lanakila marketing manager Marlena Willette. "We really appreciate the opportunity to give back."

The toys will be delivered today.

Ko Olina Resort and Wal-Mart also pledged to partner to deliver more than $1,500 worth of toys this afternoon, Geise said.

On Wednesday, Toys for Tots had collected about 21,600 toys on O'ahu. But many were novelty toys or stuffed animals, which the charity does not give alone.

Donations have been down to Toys for Tots — and several other nonprofits — this holiday season. Advocates blame the downturn in giving on the increased cost of fuel, utilities and other necessities. Toys for Tots organizers also say a host of toy recalls this year have scared donors away.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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