April 20, 2005

Bob Loring, chief organizer of Toys for Tots of East Pasco, knows this Marine Corps Reserve program is much more than a way for needy children to get toys every holiday season.

In Loring's view, Toys for Tots is a network that can unite communities and be a catalyst for lifting children from poverty. And he's right. Others should share his vision.

East Pasco Toys for Tots serves about 3,000 children and 1,000 families in Lacoochee, Trilacoochee, Trilby, Dade City, Zephyrhills, and Land O' Lakes/Lutz. Distribution networks and captains are responsible for these areas, which include the most economically depressed parts of Pasco County.

But toys aren't the only gifts. School supplies, underwear, shoes and other essentials have been distributed and Loring wants the community's help to continue to expanding this much-needed effort to help residents who need it most.

An affiliated group, East Pasco School Tools that Empower & Promote Success (S.T.E.P.S.), and Toys for Tots are organizing two events this summer in the communities they serve.

A health fair is planned for July. The main objective is to provide free back-to-school physicals for children served by Toys for Tots. Important information on other resources in the county also will be distributed.

In addition, a back-to-school event is slated for sometime in August. Children will receive supplies for the new school year.

Loring says the healthy fair, with the help of Premier Community Health Care Group, is pretty much set. But back-to school supplies are greatly needed for the latter event. These include backpacks, rulers, pens, pencils, notebook paper, folders and Spanish-to English dictionaries.

East Pasco should unite to help their less fortunate neighbors. As Loring says: "These folks count on us for more than toys."

Residents are urged to join this cause by contacting him at (352) 588-4230

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