By Shelley Smithssmith@salisburypost.com
Toys for Tots is picking up steam since the Rowan County kickoff Oct. 1. Thirty-one businesses and organizations have designated themselves as drop-off points for toys, and several of them are holding special events benefiting Toys for Tots.
Toys collected will be given to children in Rowan County.
“With the current economy, there’s a lot of families that aren’t going to be able to get presents for their kids this year,” said Rowan County coordinator Raul Arbelaez. “The Marine Corps’ beliefs are that we need to take care of our own. Rowan County is our home, and we need to take care of each other.”
Toys must be new and unwrapped, and can be dropped off at the following Rowan County locations:
– City of Salisbury Fleet Division;
– Alan F. Burke CPA;
– Good Year Auto Service Center;
– VFW Post 3006;
– Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation;
– Debbie Barnhardt Jewelers;
– Kidz Books and More;
– Bayada Nursing;
– Half Time Bar and Grill;
– Marine Corps Recruiting Office;
– Ralph Baker Shoes;
– East Coast Wings;
– VA Medical Center;
– Cut Up and Dye Salon;
– First Bank locations A and B;
– Napa Auto Parts;
– State Farm Insurance locations A, B, C and D;
– Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.;
– Copart;
– K-Dee’s Jewelers;
– Salisbury Gardens;
– Isenhour-Freeman Insurance;
– Shear Innovations;
– Centurion Medical Products;
– The Grand on Julian;
– Caniche Fine Gifts and Home Accessories;
– Thread Shed Clothing Company;
– Gerry Wood Auto;
– Metcalf Chiropractic Center;
Events going on for Toys for Tots include Santa on the roof of Krispy Kreme in Salisbury Dec. 4, 5 and 6. The Rowan County Marine Corps League, Salisbury Police Department, Salisbury Fire Department and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are sponsoring the event. If you bring one toy, you will receive one dozen doughnuts.
Another event supporting Toys for Tots will be at Applebee’s Dec. 12 and 13. A breakfast for $6 will allow children and adults to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Santa Claus, and will be from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m.
On Friday, Dec. 18, Alan F. Burke, CPA, will be hosting a Toys for Tots Drive Party from 2 until 7 p.m. with food, drinks, and appearances by NASCAR drivers (to be announced). Show cars and raffles of NASCAR donated merchandise will be offered, and all proceeds of the raffle will benefit Toys for Tots. Admission to the party is one unwrapped toy.
“I’ve had a wonderful, wonderful response from Toys for Tots,” said Arbelaez. “When the gifts are under the tree, the kids scream and the parents cry. It’s a great organization for the families of Rowan County.”
Fore more information on Toys for Tots, visit their website at www.toysfortots.org.