TEXARKANA, Texas — A Texarkana woman has been arrested after police say she falsely claimed to be an official ambassador for the Toys for Tots program while soliciting donations in the community.
According to authorities, the woman approached several local businesses and individuals requesting toys and monetary contributions, allegedly stating she was working on behalf of the well‑known Marine Corps–affiliated charity. Investigators say the organization confirmed she had no affiliation with the program.
Police began receiving reports after residents noticed inconsistencies in her story and contacted the legitimate Toys for Tots chapter for verification. Officers located the woman and took her into custody on charges related to fraudulent representation and misuse of a charitable organization’s name.
Officials with Toys for Tots remind the public that all authorized representatives are listed through the program’s official website and that legitimate volunteers do not collect cash donations in person without proper identification.
No additional details about the suspect’s identity have been released at this time. The case remains under investigation.
TexarkanaOnline.com will update this story as more information becomes available.
