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PAT Hosts 10th Annual Toy Drive

Snow is falling, trees are donned with lights and Pittsburgh’s Steel Plaza T Station is filled with toys.

It’s that time of year again.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT) and the U.S. Marine Corps are hosting the 10th annual Toys for Tots drive Friday.

PAT is looking for new, unwrapped toys as well as cash donations. Everyone who donates will receive a free cup of coffee from the station’s Crazy Mocha kiosk.

PAT spokeswoman Heather Pharo encourages everyone to come to the plaza and give what they can.

“You don’t have to be a T-rider or even a transit rider to stop by,” she said. “The station is open to the public, so you can just come down to the mezzanine level and drop off your donation.”

The collection takes place 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. near the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Grant Street.

Pharo said PAT isn’t looking for anything in particular.

“I’ve seen everything from toys for toddlers and preschoolers to teenagers, preteens, things like that,” she said. “Really the most important thing is just to be there and to give rather than what the toy is. It’s the spirit behind it.”

The Erie, PA native has been a fellow in the WESA news department since May 2013. Having earned a bachelor's degree in print journalism from Duquesne University, he is now pursuing an M.A. in multi-media management. Michael describes his career aspiration as "I want to do it all in journalism."