BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – After former Toys for Tots coordinator Rod Mayberry retired, his position was in desperate need of being filled. Without a coordinator, children in Mercer, McDowell, Summers and Monroe counties would no longer have the opportunity to be given toys this holiday season.
However, one man has stepped up to the plate to fill Mayberry’s shoes.
“I’m initially from McDowell County, I lived there until 99 then moved to Mercer County. Just seeing the need for the children in our area and that desire to make sure all of them have happiness during the Christmas season,” said Charlie Smith.
Smith says he just finished up his formal training for the position which included networking with other coordinators and how to document donations. He says he’s also staying in close contact with the former area coordinator, Rod Mayberry.
“He’s been great as far as being a resource for me being a new coordinator coming in to this. Learning from his experience, he was a coordinator for 12 years so it was a great service to the community,” said Smith. “I’m grateful he’s willing to continue to sort of mentor me as I go through my first campaign.”
Smith says the official fundraising campaign begins October first but Toys for Tots is already taking monetary and toy donations.
“A great thing to keep in mind with Toys for Tots is 97% of every dollar that’s donated to Toys for Tots is committed to getting toys in the hands of the children,” said Smith. “No salaries are paid out of your donation. Everything goes towards the charity. That 3% is just for administrative costs.”
Smith says toys for tots is also looking for volunteers to help in a variety of capacities.
If you’re interested in being a volunteer or donating you can go to the Princeton Toys for Tots website here.
The Triangle Sportsmen’s Club in Bluefield, Virginia is hosting a shooting event on Sept. 28 to raise funds for the Toys for Tots campaign. The entry fee for the event is $25 or a donation of a toy valued at $25 or more.
All funds raised will benefit the local Toys for Tots foundation. Registration begins at 9 am and the event will start at 10 am.
The application process to get toys from Toys for Tots will begin on Oct. 12 and close Dec. 6, 2024.
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