Peachtree – Toys for Tots is a national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Founded by Maj. Bill Hendricks in 1947, it was his wife, Diane, who made the first toy – a simple handmade doll. Before Christmas of the same year, a campaign brought in 5,000 toys for children whose fathers were still away after the war.
Diane spoke to her boss about what they were doing, and he started drawing. Her employer was a fellow named Walt Disney, and his doodle became the well-recognized Toys for Tots red train logo.
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For more than 20 years, Cherokee County has participated in the program. On Dec. 20-21, parents were pulling into designated spots at the former Emerson building across from Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital to pick up the toys to help bring extra cheer to their children on Christmas morning.
“It’s a blessing, and it really helps. I’m lower income, and it helps me provide some toys for my kids for Christmas. I really love it, people are very kind,” said Rebecca Jones, a mother of two living in Murphy.
Volunteering with the program is not limited to adults. Elizabeth Cowan is a Murphy High School senior. She and a few friends held a winter formal at $20 a ticket. They raised almost $5,000, allowing them to make up about 350 gift bags filled with toiletries for Toys for Tots recipients. The monies left over will go toward next year’s event.
Murphy High student Anslee Roper is the national Toys for Tots ambassador representing Cherokee County. Jeana Conley, Toys for Tots coordinator in Cherokee County, appeared proud while smiling about the involvement of younger folks.
Assistant coordinator Susie Evans said, “Ninety-seven percent of all those with Toys for Tots nationally are volunteers.”
Toys were not the only gifts given. David and Laura Rhinehart were also providing books by age group and art supplies for kids, provoking their inner creative sides.
Lora Hill, manager of Walmart in Murphy, provided a discount on all the items purchased for the Toys for Tots program.
Folks in the community were generous, and that gift of love helped children experience a brighter Christmas.
“Helping out on distribution day for Toys for Tots reminds me of the incredible power of community. It’s when people show just how much they care about each other, coming together to make the holidays brighter for families in need. I’m happy to be a small part of bringing happiness to others,” Murphy Mayor Tim Radford said.
Lunch was provided for the volunteers by Murphy Presbyterian Church.
Conley said 1,221 kids were served by Tots for Tots this year. That equates to many more smiles on Christmas morning.