The best way to express the Toys for Tots toy drive, are in the words of Charles Dickens, " No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another."    Every year since 1947, the United States Marine Corp Reserve and local communities across the country have participated in the Toys For Tots toy drive.

The event all started with a Marine Major's wife when she hand crafted the first doll that was donated for the cause - a Raggedy Ann Doll. Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR - found Toys for Tots in Los Angeles, California back in 1947.

In the words of one Cheyenne, local Marine, "Marines were known as the bad boys of the Armed Services. This was a way for us to show that bad boys could do good for kids."

And with the help of the KGAB listening audience and the Cheyenne community, they accomplished just that. With over 750 kids and over 320 families, in Cheyenne, who registered this year to solicit help from the toys drive, the need was probably the greatest it had been in years.

We shouted and not only did Cheyenne hear, but they delivered. They delivered toys for kids ages 7 - 16 this year, ranging from over 70 bicycles, to stuffed animals, action figures, sleds, footballs and such like.

The personal blessings that the public and those that helped promote this great event received, couldn't possibly be expressed in words. But you can guarantee that it will be expressed on children's faces all across Laramie County on Christmas Day.

According to the local, Laramie County Toys for Tots coordinator, Wendi Henderson - USN Retired, the goal this year was 35 boxes. Cheyenne delivered about 60 full boxes of toys. The goal for bicycles this year was about 25. Cheyenne delivered over 70 of them.

Needless to say, Cheyenne rocked it this year. Old, young, black, white, rich, poor and so on - all gave to make up the best toy drive ever! Thank you again Cheyenne for helping the United States Marine Corps Reserve fulfill their vision and for making great memories for all the children in Laramie County on Christmas Day.

Although the drive is over, there are still drop off points throughout the city and the county of Cheyenne. We welcome anything you can do.

If you know of a family in need, or if you want to know where the toy drop-off points are here in Laramie County, call 678-215-7584 or visit their website here: Toys for Tots.

"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." - Sir Winston Churhill

 

More From KGAB