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Snowman-raising event benefits Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots volunteers
Toys for Tots volunteers, including Jeanne Evans, Millie Wilson, Elaine Boggs and Jennifer Darsey pose in front of Frosty the Snowman at Boggs realty office, which is a Toys for Tots drop-off point. - photo by Randy C.Murray

Elaine Boggs Realty Group sponsored a Frosty the Snowman raising to benefit Toys for Tots on Thursday evening.

The Hinesville Realtor, her staff, Liberty County Board of Realtors President Jeanne Evans, Toys for Tots coordinator Millie Wilson and United Way of Liberty County Director Jennifer Darsey joined with other volunteers and children to raise awareness and, hopefully, increase donations for this year’s campaign.

After the local Toys for Tots sponsors and organizers gathered in front of the gigantic inflatable snowman next to Boggs’ real estate office at 116 Gen. Screven Way for a photo opportunity, they were serenaded by a childrens’ choir, which sang classic songs about Frosty and Rudolph, while everyone enjoyed homemade cookies and hot apple cider.

“We sponsor two events a year. This is one of them,” Boggs said. “This is our second year doing this. We’re accepting new, unwrapped toys to go in our Toys for Tots donation box. We ask that money donations be taken to the United Way office (at 135 E. M.L. King Jr. Blvd.).”

Wilson said that last year, more than 3,000 needy children received toys, books, puzzles and even bicycles from community donations to the local Toys for Tots campaign.

Wilson has been part of the annual toy drive for five years. She said this year’s toys distribution will take place Dec. 15. The time and location of the giveaway have not been determined, she said.

“So far this year, we’ve already had over 2,200 families apply for toys for their children,” Wilson said, noting the application period for Liberty County families ended Oct. 31 and will end for Long County families Nov. 8. “Our collection boxes are located all over town. Anyone wanting to make a money donation can call the United Way office at 368-4287. They should make the check out to ‘Toys for Tots.’”

Wilson said the money is deposited into an account and used to buy toys and gifts from local discount stores for children of all ages.

As Boggs stood near her office’s collection box, which overflowed with toys, she explained that every time the box fills up, they store the toys in a locked room. She said her business also will sponsor another Toys for Tots event — a barbecue — Dec. 1.

“What we need most is a copious amount of teenage toys and gift items,” Darsey said. “That includes (electronic devices), perfumes, makeup kits, colognes and sports equipment — especially footballs, basketballs and soccer balls.”

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