Murphy – Cherokee County Toys for Tots coordinator Barbara Hudson and assistant coordinator Susie Evans showed volunteers how much they are appreciated with a luncheon Saturday at Downtown Pizza.
About 25 people from the Toys for Tots organization came out for pizza, salad and cake as well as to enjoy the camaraderie. Toys for Tots was started in 1947 by a U.S. Marine, and its recognizable red train logo was born when Walt Disney himself doodled it on a piece of paper.
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In 2022, more than 1,100 children in Cherokee County benefitted from the organization. More than $30,000 in generous donations were collected, making Christmas all the more special for local children.
Volunteers play a crucial roll in making the program a success. Awards were given out at the luncheon to those who went above and beyond.
David and Sarah Thomas have volunteered for about four years and with several jobs in the organization. They drive the truck and trailer that picks up and hauls all of the donations to various locations, and also are involved in fundraising.
“We do this because there’s a need in our community, and a lot of kids that may not have a Christmas if they’re not included in this,” Thomas said. “The more we are in it the more we do. Everything is for the kids.”
Challenge Coins with the Marine logo on one side and the Toys for Tots logo on the other side were given out, as well as aluminum beverage bottles and other items.
Eighty-nine businesses displayed a Toys for Tots toy collection box or monetary donation container in 2022. This made it easier for folks to drop off a gift or donation for the children at various locations.
After the boxes are filled with toys, they get picked up and taken to Eller & Owens Furniture, which is a year-round drop-off location. From there, items go to the Toys for Tots warehouse so they can be sorted by age and gender.
Monetary donations fill the gaps. The toys get bagged and taken to the distribution center, where they are then picked up in December by the families who requested assistance. There are no requirements in order to be helped by the organization other than one must live in Cherokee County.
Retired schools superintendent Jeana Conley has stepped up to take over the Cherokee County Toys for Tots program as coordinator. Susie Evans will continue to be the assistant coordinator.
“It’s a real honor,” Conley said. “I recently retired from education, and I just can’t conceive of a world where I don’t have time committed to children in some way.”
If you would like more information or to become a volunteer, email jeanaconley33@gmail.com or visit the Toys for Tots page on Facebook.