Swansea remains committed to supporting the annual Toys for Tots campaign, despite concerns surrounding the nonprofit’s use of the Nike Site Road facility.

 

Swansea Town Administrator Mitchell Ruscitti confirmed that Toys for Tots has not been canceled this year. He also emphasized that the town has repeatedly worked to ensure Toys for Tots can continue operating safely and successfully.

 

Ruscitti explained that the town has allowed Toys for Tots to use the facility at no cost to organize its holiday drive each year.

 

However, he said the town has faced “repeated issues with the Swansea Independent Baseball League’s use of the property.”

 

“These issues have included vandalism, unauthorized access and use of the property, locks being cut or replaced, and town employees being prevented from entering facilities,” Ruscitti said.

 

In response to these issues, Ruscitti said the town has asked Toys for Tots to sign a facility-use agreement that’s consistent with other nonprofits.

 

“This administrative requirement allows the town to schedule use of the property, control access, and ensure activities are conducted safely,” he continued. “The town remains ready to provide access to the Nike Site once Toys for Tots completes the facility-use agreement.”

 

The town has also offered the Council on Aging building on Ocean Grove Avenue as an alternative location for the holiday drive, according to Ruscitti.

 

“The town supports the incredible work done by Toys for Tots and wants its campaign to succeed,” Ruscitti said. “We are ready to move forward. The suggestion that the town is placing this toy drive in jeopardy is simply not accurate.”

 

The clarification comes after Toys for Tots made a post about the dispute on social media late last month.

 

See more at wpri.com.