1999 Toys for Tots final report:
I do not know exactly what it was about our December 14th meeting that made it so special, but several people said it was the best meeting ever, and I had the same feeling. Part of the special feeling was the toys and the children who joined us for the toy "review." Part was that everyone seemed to have the Christmas spirit. Whatever it was, if you were not there, you missed an excellent meeting.
The Toys for Tots project concluded with a very successful year. We had a record 110 TWA members at workshops and working in their own shops. We also had about 50 non-members helping with assembly and decorative painting. Three thousand one hundred and fifty four (3,154) toys were delivered to the Marine Corps.
This year three members that opened their personal shops for club sponsored workshops. In fact, they each had multiple workshops. They were Diane Caudill, Bob Gabor, and Dave Mackie. In 2000 I will encourage even more, because everyone who participates has a good time, and the workshops are extremely productive.
Individuals also made significant contributions from private workshops. Some did it all alone; others brought in friends, family or other TWA members. Dick Coutney, Charlie Main, Fred Haskins, Hal Liberty, John Todd, StClair Williams, Charlie Smith, Mike Pincus, Rick Fox, Theresa Costello , and Alan Leland all made significant contributions.
I would like to thank Dave Mackie, Pete Hodges, Fred Haskins, and Dan Cameron, all members of a somewhat unofficial Toys for Tots committee, for all the behind-the-scene work they did to organize the workshops, supply wood and wheels, etc.
Dan Cameron also stepped in to help with publicity: arranging numerous articles, radio interviews, and TV spots. These efforts give recognition and exposure to TWA, but even more important they advertise Toys for Tots, and hopefully unlock the hearts of others to give as well.
I did not think we could top last year, but we did! Although we turned in almost the exact same number of toys as last year, the detail and complexity were up significantly. I estimate that we had 50% more effort and time expended ,and for me, this is what it is all about. Giving of our time and effort to help children is rewarding and fun at the same time.
I know I have missed some one, but the real reward for us all is found on Christmas morning when we know thousands of kids are having a little bit better Christmas for our efforts.
Thank you for a great year!
Submitted by Fred Ford