Thousands of children in Fayette County and some in Atlanta will receive new toys because of the generosity of the families and friends of the McIntosh Chiefs and the Starr’s Mill Panthers.
Prior to their Oct. 19 football game, volunteers for Toys for Tots set up a table on the visitor and home sides at the Chiefs’ stadium to collect money and toy donations. The side donating the most money would receive a trophy at the end of the third quarter.
The total amount of money raised was $1,389.14, White said, and Sgt. Buchana, the Marine Corps Tots for Tots representative, presented the trophy to McIntosh Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Jason Byars.
Last year Fayette County collected so many toys that more than 5,000 children received presents and Toys for Tots was able to send some toys to children in Atlanta, according to Jeff White, who is one of the coordinators for Fayette County’s Toys for Tots program.
Frank Goluan, a long-time member of the local Marine Corps League, said Toys for Tots was started in 1947. The idea was formed when an officer’s wife made a Raggedy Ann doll and told her husband to find it a good home. When he couldn’t find a toy collecting charity, he decided to create one himself, which he called Toys for Tots.
The Fayette County branch of Toys for Tots is in need of volunteers and drop-off locations, White said. For more information go to www.fayettetoysfortots.com and contact White.