It is once again Toys For Tots time in Richmond County and throughout the United States. This is the 7th year that Maine Detachment 1252 has run the campaign, according to Toys For Tots Area Coordinator Benny Leviner.
“This year’s campaign will be conducted in honor and in memory of Gary Duty,” said Leviner. “Gary was a Marine, a father, a grandfather, a devoted husband, a patriot and a dedicated Toys for Tots worker. He is greatly missed.”
Toys for Tots is asking for support with the campaign and you can help by collecting toys for the children in Richmond County.
“Since it was started by the Marine Corps Reserve in 1947, Marines throughout the country have filled the dreams of tens of millions of disadvantaged children during the Christmas season,” said Leviner. “A new toy at Christmas sends a message to a needy child that someone cares and that child hasn’t been forgotten and the magic of Christmas has not passed them by.”
You can help the Marines of Detachment 1252 this year by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at one of the many drop-off locations throughout the county. The locations are Alfredson’s Import, Big Lots, Bobby’s Furniture, Burlington Mills, Clerk of Court Office, Community One Bank of Rockingham, CSX Railroad, Dieffenbach, Dixie Burger of Ellerbe, all Dollar General stores, The Golden Rule, Grants Auto Express, Honeycutt Auction, Huddle House, J.C. Penney, Lowe’s, Marshall’s Office Supply, Pat’s Kitchen, PNC Bank, Sheriff’s Office, Purdue, State Employee’s Credit Union, Verizon Phone, Walgreens Pharmacy, Wrenn’s Jewelry, area churches, area schools and military organizations.
Also, checks may be made out to Toys For Tots Foundations and mailed to Local Area Coordinator, 1121 Rice St., Hamlet N.C. 28345.
Additionally, many local businesses are accepting donations using the Toys for Tots Train Logo and providing buttons that read “I gave to Toys for Tots.” These businesses are ABC stores of Rockingham and Hamlet, BB&T of Rockingham and Hamlet, Birmingham Drug, Community One Bank of Rockingham, First Bank, Henry’s Cafe, Little Bo Steakhouse, Glenn’s Bait and Tackle, Mercantile on Broad, NAPA Auto Parts, Peking Wok, Rick & Al’s Car Wash, Sandhills Parts and Service and Seaboard Restaurant.
The train logo was designed by none other than a Marine named Walt Disney. This year’s campaign will run through Dec. 22.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.





















