Letter to the editor: Local Toys for Tots organizer says 2018 was a huge success

To the Editor:

I wish to share our success, with the Marine Corps Toys For Tots Campaign 2018 and thank the many people, businesses and groups that helped us provide “A Little Christmas” to many children, of Whitley, Knox and Laurel Counties.

I would like to recap and compare 2017 to 2018. In 2017, our first year, we helped 1,600 children receive over 5,000 toys and 3,000 books. In 2018, we provided 11,868 toys, 8,901 books and countless stocking stuffers to 2,976 children. This is a 86% increase over 2017. Without the support of the communities, this would not have happened.

Thanks to the fantastic help of Hearthside Food Solutions, Wildcat Harley Davidson, 1st National Bank, Hometown Bank, Bimbo Bakeries, Walmart ( London, Williamsburg & Barbourville) & Tim Short Auto, for monetary donations along with toys and Whitley County Board of Education for donating books. Thanks also, to the 100+ businesses and restaurants that collected toys, in our Collection Boxes.

Members of the JC Paul Detachment, Marine Corps League, Souls Harbor Church, Lily Redemption Church &Williamsburg Housing Authority came to our assistance with volunteers, to inventory, sort, pick up and distribute toys. A huge thanks to Marc Hensley and Mountain Outreach Ministry for supplying the warehouse space and aiding in distribution.

Toys For Tots, is 72 years old and continues to grow, each year. Without it and the commitment of our volunteers and the generosity of the communities, many of our children might not see the joy of toys, on Christmas morning.

Happy New Year and we will see you in 2019.

Greg Sims
Marine Corps Toys for Tots
Local Community Organizer & Commandant Marine Corps League for Whitley, Knox & Laurel Counties