EAST PALESTINE — As cleanup and relief efforts continue in East Palestine in the wake of the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern train derailment, one local nonprofit is turning its attention to the smallest of people impacted by the disaster — the children.

East Palestine Social Concerns announced that Toys for Tots will provide East Palestine children with new toys on April 2.

“Toys for Tots are coming to East Palestine,” Director of East Palestine Social Concerns Sandy Wales said. “They are bringing bikes and a whole semi-truck full of toys. We are happy that they thought about the kids in East Palestine, and it should be a great event.”

Bob Stratton, Toys for Tots coordinator of the Ohio Leatherneck Detachment 845 of the Marine Corps League in Sherrodsville, began the toy drive at the beginning of March. Stratton and his group have been collecting new toys to give to the children impacted by the derailment after parents raised concerns about contamination on their children’s toys following the spill and controlled burn of chemicals at the derailment site.

The toys will be distributed beginning at 1 p.m. at East Palestine Legion Post 31, 140 N. Walnut St.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation got its start in 1947 and provides needy children with toys during Christmas.

East Palestine Social Concern began in 1966 and provides food, utility and rent assistance to needy families located in the East Palestine School District.

selverd@mojonews.com