Volunteers sort gifts for Toys for Tots on Owatonna

OWATONNA — Like a factory full of elves, the National Guard Armory was bustling with activity on Thursday in preparation for the annual distribution of Toys for Tots.

More than 100 volunteers turned out at all hours of the day in order to unload the toys and sort them into the appropriate age groups. Just after noon on Thursday, many tables were already stacked high with unwrapped toys, so that the children who came out to the first night of distribution Thursday could choose a toy they liked.

Whether they were carrying high tech gear for teenagers, teething toys for youngsters or — everyone’s favorite — books, volunteers were shuffling back and forth through the gym in the Armory.

“We’re just making sure (the toys) are on the appropriate shelves,” said Carolyn Chavis, who came out from Medford to help with the load.

But the elves who toiled away on Thursday to bring a merry Christmas to boys and girls less privileged were young and old alike. Several schools were represented in the working hours of the toy drive, with students coming out around noon from both the Owatonna Junior High School and the Recovery School of Southern Minnesota.

Brody Swantek, 13, was just one of those students, and as soon as he arrived, he put his junior high hands to work on a bicycle — some assembly required. As Brody turned a small bike part over and over in his hand, he marveled at how difficult the thing was to assemble. When asked how the bike arrived at the Armory, Brody’s response was one only a boy could muster.

“It pretty much was one giant jigsaw puzzle,” said Brody.

It doesn’t take a school to teach a child the value in helping others, however, as the lesson was one that 13-year-old Sammy Miranda learned from his mom.

“I come here every year because my mom works for the Workforce Center,” said Sammy. He estimated that he had probably come out for the last three or four years to help set up for the annual toy distribution.

Though this year will see more children in search of toys than ever, due to a flailing economy, the Toys for Tots campaign is not young in and of itself.

“It got started in 1947,” said Jerry Shore, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who serves as a coordinator for the drive.

Shore, who said the drive for toys actually began as an effort to support soldiers coming back from World War II, first brought the Toys for Tots drive to Owatonna 25 years ago, when he and his wife Helen sought out toys and spread them out on their living room floor.

“In the first year, we probably had 45 different kids,” Shore said. “Last year it was 1,700.”

Distribution was set for 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

“We’re further ahead than we normally are,” said Don Overlie, one of the coordinators for the Toys for Tots campaign.

Melissa Kaelin can be reached at 444-2372.

Share:

Guidelines: Welcome to the Owatonna People's Press community. Please keep your comments civil. Don't attack other readers personally and keep your language decent. If you would like to report abuse click here to notify us.
Member Opinions: By: quinn on 12/20/09 I would like to thank all who had any part in the Toys for Tots program! I'm used to spoiling my grandson a wee bit at Christmas and this year it just isn't possible. Until friday, I've been worried about what we were going to do this year. A "good read" and some wonderful toys have set Grandms's mind at ease. I hope others posting here that are having a hard time this year have been able to benefit from this great program as well. Believe me you guys I know how good it feels when you can to something nice for someone, just humbled by how nice it feels when someone you don't know does something nice for someone you love. Our family thanks you.
Login and voice your opinion!