News Details (Posted: December 3, 2011):

KIWANIS TO LEAD THE 1,000 TOY MARCH

Full Description:

For many children living in Monmouth County, this time of year can bring smiles of joy on their little faces, or feelings of sadness. This is particularly the case for families living in poverty, in shelters or without family support.

In a joint effort to provide NEW toys to children whose families are challenged by poverty, homelessness or domestic abuse, the Kiwanis Clubs of Freehold, Holmdel, Manalapan and Marlboro have joined together with the Bella Vista Country Club to create THE 1000 TOY MARCH. Beginning this week, members of the various clubs are working to collect donations of 1000 or more toys and gift cards for children ranging in age from infants to teenagers to be distributed before December 20^th to hospitals, homeless and women’s shelters, and families in poverty throughout the county.

“In the past, local Kiwanis clubs worked independently in their own backyards to raise funds and collect holiday donations for a specific charity or group,” noted spokesperson Carol Mazzola., President of the Kiwanis Club of Marlboro. “However, with the economy at one of the lowest points in our history, we know there is a much greater need this year to help children and parents across Monmouth County who are going through tough times,” she added. “Kiwanis is a service organization, and it is all about helping kids…this is what we do.”

“I believe that by joining forces, and with the help of the Bella Vista Country Club, the participating Kiwanis clubs will be able to collect an unprecedented number of toys this year for the children,” added Sue Philpot, Secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Freehold and former Lieutenant Governor for Kiwanis of New Jersey Division 5. “Our first step will be to reach out to our members, their families, their friends, neighbors and neighbors’ children via word-of-mouth, the internet, social media and local newspapers.”

The participating clubs are affiliates of Kiwanis International, a world-wide service organization dedicated to helping one child at a time in one community at a time. A brief sampling of the organizations that will receive the toys from THE 1000 TOY MARCH include: The Children’s Specialized Hospital, Linkages, 180 Turning Lives Around, The Salvation Army, the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County and the Collier Group Home for Girls, to name a few.

For those wishing to donate new, unwrapped toys, the drop-off location is the Bella Vista Country Club, 100 School Road East in Marlboro. For donors requiring a pick-up, the telephone number is (908) 670-8995. Volunteers will arrange for the delivery of the toys on or before December 21^st to the various hospitals, shelters and charities named above.

Put a smile on a child’s face this Holiday Season by donating a NEW, unwrapped toy to THE 1000 TOY MARCH. For more information, call (908) 670-8995 and get involved in this worthwhile effort.