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Community Falls In Behind Toys For Tots
Published: Jan 1, 2007
Tampa Tribune - Pasco Section
NEW PORT RICHEY - An outpouring of support from the community provided more than 31,000 toys, including 5,000 stuffed plush animals and 100 bicycles, for this season's Toys for Tots campaign.
The gifts were distributed to needy children in the west Pasco area on Dec. 16 with help from a record number of about 200 volunteers, said E.J. Koczur, local Toys for Tots chairman.
Charles Salvaggio was Koczur's right-hand man in the annual campaign. Both are officers of Detachment 567 of the Marine Corps League, which organizes the annual charity event.
Volunteers were coordinated by Mike Weaver and Phil Frasier, both retired from the U.S. Navy, from the NROTC program at J.W. Mitchell High School, in the Trinity area.
On distribution day, workers from Mitchell High were joined by groups from Pasco-Hernando Community College, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and students from Gulf, River Ridge, Ridgewood and Hudson high schools.
A Holiday-area family - Cpl. J. Koehler of the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, wife Erin and son Justin - was among the volunteers.
Charles Provenza supervised the beehive of activity in the outdoor staging area.
A week after the distribution date, area residents still were carrying in boxes of toys to add to the collection.
Donations increased by half over 2005 contributions, Koczur said. Merchants who donated included Toys R Us with a $2,000 gift and KB Toys, which offered large discounts.
Country Club Village in New Port Richey gathered 30 donated bicycles and toys at one fundraiser for the cause. Hacienda Villas and Heritage Springs Country Club were generous as well, the organizers said.
The Marine Corps League conducts fundraisers throughout the year for Toys for Tots and other programs, Salvaggio said.
Plush toys are given to police officers to give to frightened children. Families whose homes have burned down also benefit.
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