Marines at Pearl Harbor Event

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2020 Toys for Tots Underway

Toys for Tots is underway - in spite of Covid-19. 

 Rick Massey and Jerry Harris collect toys at Stucki Farms Car Show

5 Dec 2020

Marine Harris accepts donation from

car show attendees

5 Dec 2020 Car Show Exhibits

December 5, 2020

By Bill Fortune
   Gunnery Sergeant Rick Massey, (Retired) is Area Coordinator for The Toys for Tots organization and was present collecting the toys with Jerry Harris, the Detachment Chaplain.  Stucki Farms generously cooperated with JC Hacketts' Car Shows and Cruise Nights, who arranged the show. Stucki Farms allowed the use of their Clubhouse for Santa to be present with a collection point set up in front of it for drive-by drop offs.
   Car show visitors came by the hundreds and dropped off toys and gifts or donated money. This year, because of the Pandemic, the opportunity to collect toys has been reduced but the need has increased. Last year Toys for Tots provided gifts for 4,481 area children and, according to Rick, “the requests are coming in heavier than last year.”
   Those who arrived without toys saw the need and offered money donations. The money donations are a very important part of the program because it helps fill the “Gap” in the collection process.  Many people think of toys for toddlers, but a real need exists for infants and teenagers/young adults. With the donated money Rick is able to purchase gifts that fill that “Gap.”
   Although the day was successful, many more such days will be needed if they are to exceed last year.  All the collection boxes are distributed throughout Southwest Utah but some of the incentives, visuals, like Marines standing near them in stores as a reminder to people, has been stopped because of the virus. A lot of requests used to be in person but are now done online.  Gunney Massey says he has a good facility, is organized and has lots of volunteers. All he needs now are toys/gifts to fill the request.
   The Marines have a saying “Improvise, Adapt and Overcome.”  That is how they are approaching the toy drive this year.  Because every child deserves a little Christmas.
   To learn more about Toys For Tots go on line to www.toysfortots.org then at the top “Find Your Local Campaign.”  Click and follow the navigation to Utah then Washington County where you may donate or make a request.