Photos by Mary Alice Murphy
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
Set up to let incoming vehicles know where to go are Jolynne Massengill, Lathen Massengill, John Sterle and Rene Peña
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
Decorated and ready to give away toys
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
Santa's storage room
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
The now empty boxes where people throughout the community donated toys
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
A vehicle gathers that family's toys, with Santa and Mrs Claus and Elf greeting them
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
Bagged and ready to hand out
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
Mrs. and Santa Claus AKS Janet Hess and Joe Nerling with Elf Olga Sarli
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
Local Toys for Tots Organizers Danna and Robert Lopez
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
Aaron Lopez, Robert Lopez and Sonia Villagran.
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
Michael and Aaron Lopez breaking up boxes
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
Volunteers Bethany Abet and Rebecca Lopez
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
Gina Maestas hands out books at no cost.
Toys for Tots distribution 121022
Jaime Lopez ready to direct traffic.
Toys for Tots continues its commitment to bringing the joy of Christmas to the children of the Grant County community. Marine Corps Reserve units, the Marine Corps League 1328, and local campaigns across the country gather toys to hand out to less fortunate children.
At last count, on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, when the distribution had just begun, 1541 children were signed up to receive toys. According to organizers Danna and Robert Lopez, this was at least 200 more than last year.
Santa and Mrs Claus were on hand to greet the children and their families.
The Toys for Tots distribution team acts as a well-oiled machine, wi organizers and volunteers doing a lot of running back and forth, but they are always prepared for the next issue. The co-organizers, active members of the Gaffney-Oglesby Marine Corps League Chapter 1328, have done this for many years and start the process a couple of month prior to distribution day.