By Bridget Nash Staff Writer
Enid’s Toys for Tots received a large donation Monday thanks to a local car club.
Midwest Mustang Muscle held two car shows to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation locally, and the car club’s donation was delivered to Toys for Tots representatives at Pak-a-Sak Monday evening.
“Between the two (car shows) we raised probably $1,200-$1,300 strictly for Toys for Tots,” said Terry Wash-burn, Midwest Mustang Muscle’s public relations director.
Washburn said all the donations will di-rectly benefit the children of Enid.
“All the toys, all the money stays right here in Enid, Oklahoma,” Washburn said.
This is the first year Midwest Mustang Muscle raised money and donations for Toys for Tots, but it won’t be the last.
“Every year from this point on we will dedicate at least part of our charitable funds to Toys for Tots,” Washburn said.
Midwest Mustang Muscle president Eric Brinsley said he believes the Toys for Tots donations are especially important this year.
“With the economy the way it is, this year is going to be one of the roughest years,” he said. “Due to the layoffs, I think it’s important for everyone that has (the means) to donate.”
“The Toys for Tots Foundation believes that no child should go without a toy for Christmas,” said Larry Wheeler, local Toys for Tots coordinator.
Wheeler said Enid resident have been helpful to the Toys for Tots Foundation and children of Enid.
“We have the assistance of a lot of fantastic organizations that help us out,” he said.
The Toys for Tots Foundation was started by a Marine and his wife 62 years ago, Wheeler said.
In 1947 in Los Angeles, Maj. Bill Hendricks was given a handmade doll by his wife, who told him to give it to a children’s charitable organization. When he couldn’t find such an organization, he decided to start one himself.
“The following year the Marine Corps Reserve started the program wholeheartedly,” said Wheeler.
Enid parents who would like to benefit from the Toys for Tots organization may stop by the local office, 112 W. Randolph, and bring identification, proof of residency, proof of income and either a birth certificate, Social Security card or Department of Human Services proof of identification for each child.
Those who would like to donate toys may drop them off at 112 W. Randolph or at any of the 98 drop-off locations in Enid.
Another toy drive will be held Saturday by American Veterans Motorcycles Club beginning at IHOP and ending at the local Toys for Tots office.
For information about the AVMC toy drive, call (580) 977-8429.
For further information about other upcoming toy drives or about Toys for Tots, call (580) 548-6116.
