In 2010, I received a donation and a thank you note that read
as follows:
“Please find enclosed my donation ($150) towards replacing
of the stolen toys. Having been laid off 2 years ago and losing
unemployment after a year I had lost faith in the government/
state. I had to let go of a little pride and accept a little help from
friends. I now am very happy to be able to return the favor
especially to children. Happy Holidays.”
On November 19, 2013 Deacon Art Rogers of MCI Shirley
handed over an envelope that contained $770.75 with a letter
that read as follows:
“Please accept this donation to the Toys for Tots campaign.
On October 19, 2013, the men at MCI Shirley organized and
participated in a walk-a-thon to raise funds to purchase toys for
Toys for Tots. The men sponsored each other as well as asking
family and friends to sponsor them. Many of the men actually
walked the whole 20 miles while many more were able to
complete 15 or more miles. We even had one man who pushed
another man in a wheelchair for 22 miles!
This is just one way in which these men are trying to straighten
their lives out by giving back to others. We sincerely hope that we
will be bringing some joy to children at Christmas. See you again
next year!”
Last year the men at MCI Shirley raised $300. Some of the men
have expressed the need to give back to the community as
they too have at one point received assistance with Toys for
Tots.
Listed below is the number of toys collected each year at the
“Fill the Cruiser” event.
Anyone wishing to donate to Toys for Tots can drop new, nonviolent toy(s) for boys and girls ages 0-12 years old at any
Massachusetts State Police barracks until December 14th.
Ages in particular need are 0-2 and 8-12.
Above: scenes from the Toys for Tots kickoff event at HHQ
French·and·electric·blue·December·2013·page·11