Although the idea originated at Hamilton City Hall, the staff had no idea the friendly competition to collect the most toys would come with $100 for the location winner until the newspaper notified them. Shown helping to promote the program “so kids can win” are, from left, new city zoning clerk/receptionist Tina Brewer, municipal court clerk Jeannye Palmer, receptionist/magistrate Crystal Johnson, Toys for Tots USMCR League Coordinator Marlon Holloway, water department clerk Tina Yarber, administrative assistant Amy Nix and city clerk Angela Owen.
HAMILTON — The idea of a friendly, bragging-rights competition between businesses regarding who collects the most Toys for Tots this year has evolved into someone donating $100 cash to make the toy collecting even more beneficial.
“The kids are the big winners here,” noted City of Hamilton Recept-ionist/Magistrate Crystal Johnson.
Johnson and several other city employees helped the Journal Record with the promo photograph for the Toys for Tots kickoff, and we are grateful. Good luck to them and to all the
other participating businesses.
Since 1947, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve has sponsored Toys for Tots, which is managed through the local Marine Corps League. Coordinator Marlon Holloway is the contact, and he’s ready to give out information on how to apply.
He’s also eager to bring a toy box to your business so you can join the competition and the great cause. Call or text him at 205-412-1324 for a toy box delivery or an application.
Of course, with the Marines in charge, there are guidelines to follow, and those interested in applying should note Toys for Tots is for children up to 12 years old who reside in Marion County.
“No kid goes without a toy if they follow the process,” Holloway noted. “But we ask parents not to double-dip. If you’re getting toys from another national program, such as United Way, Easter Seals or others, we ask you to please not apply.
“If you’re doing the local Christmas for Kids, that is fine. We give out toys, and they mostly give out clothes. Just please keep in mind the spirit of the season. Our program is designed for folks who have problems buying toys for their kids, not for those financially able to provide.
“Be honest and do the right thing. The last thing we want is for a kid not to get a toy because their parents entered too many national registries.”
Holloway noted the application process is simple, and he will explain it to parents and/or guardians.
All applications must be turned in by Dec. 5. Toy distribution dates are Dec. 20 and Dec. 21, between 10 a.m. and noon--on both days. Toys will be distributed at the Christ Community Fellowship Church located at 1685 Bexar Ave. W, Hamilton, AL 35570.
How the public can give Toys for Tots asks for donated toys to not be gift wrapped for Christmas. Please leave all toys in their original packaging.
“We also welcome monetary donations,” Holloway said. “We’re just going to buy more toys with the money.”
Holloway noted this is the third year the USMCR League has held the program locally, although it’s the first year for the added incentive.
“This is the first year we’re trying to have a competition with businesses,” he noted. “The business that receives the most toys will win, and they’ll get $100. We ask that anybody in the county who would like to participate to contact me, and I’ll bring them a Toys for Tots box.
“If you fill up one box, call me, and I’ll bring you another one. There is no limit to the number of boxes a business can fill.
“On Dec. 6, the boxes will be judged as to who has the most toys, and I’ll announce the winner later.” Marine spouse makes rag doll that created national program USMCR Major Bill Hendricks’ wife, Diane, made a rag doll one Christmas and noted there was no organization to help distribute toys to deserving kids. So he founded one.
Through his reserve unit in Los Angeles, Calif., there were 5,000 toys collected and distributed the first year. Walt Disney himself helped create the first poster for the program.
The next year, Toys for Tots went national. To date, 677 million toys have been provided to 301 million deserving children with the help of donors, sponsors, coordinators and volunteers.
Last year, records were broke with 25.5 million toys, books and games distributed to 10.3 million disadvantaged children with the help of 50,000-plus volunteers.
“Yes, toys bought locally will benefit local kids,” Holloway noted. “We gather them all and then distribute them through Toys for Tots, but no kid is left behind on Christmas day.”
Consider purchasing one extra gift when you shop this holiday season and drop it off at your favorite store, bank, city hall or other Toys for Tots toy box location. You’ll be blessed for giving, and you might just help your favorite location win $100.
See complete story in the Journal Record.
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