After the passing of her great grandmother, ten-year-old Dartmouth resident Laney Matteson inherited $1,000 which she immediately decided to use it to help those less fortunate this holiday season. 

Upon hearing about the U.S. Marines' Toys for Tots program from her mother Melaney, she knew that the best way to use her inheritance was to buy and donate new toys ranging from large containers of Playdough to the latest Hot Wheels sets.

“Once my grandma gave me the money I stopped to think for a little while and then I realized how many kids might not have any toys this year,” Laney said. “That’s not fun, so I decided I wanted to give them some for Christmas.”

Grandmother Peggy Matteson said was very proud of her granddaughter for wanting to help out other kids in need.

“Toys for Tots was looking for donations and, oh boy, did Laney respond,” she said with a smile.

To honor the young philanthropist, members of Greater New Bedford Marine Corps League and a few active duty Marines met her outside of the USA Wealth Group drop-off location on Faunce Corner Road on Dec. 9 to award her with a certificate of appreciation.

Pete Lantz, a former marine who organized this year’s toy drive, said Laney’s donation was greatly appreciated — especially this year. According to Lantz, donations have “been weighed down this year” because of the pandemic.

“We don’t have nearly as many clients come into the office,” he said.

Lantz added that with Laney’s donation, hopefully more will follow suit and that he will likely remain in awe of the sheer amount of gifts she brought.

“I can’t believe she did all one thousand — every single nickel,” he said. “A lot of kids are going to wake up on Christmas morning or spend Hanukkah night and get something they otherwise wouldn’t and can enjoy for the next year or beyond.”