Toys for Tots stuff a POD

Toys for Tots Stuff a SAM Weekend! This is me with "OJ" and Adam from WGIR.

This past weekend we had our annual stuff a something for Toys for Tots. This year we stuffed a SAM (aka another company of POD). Basically it is a mini storage trailer. This event was kind of thrown together last minute even though we started planning it in the fall. Next year I think I will do more of the organizing partnered with the Marines and keep the third party involvement to a minimum. That being said, we got lots of toys!
I got the call from Dave, my boss, at 9:10 am Saturday morning because there were people (a certain Marine) freaking out because Rock 101 was a bit late... I wasn't supposed to be in until 2pm. Of course I was already at DD's getting coffee and hot chocolate to bring down to the volunteers as it was about 20 degrees outside!

Even Max came down for the day!

Sure enough Rock 101 shows up and things get rolling. There were Marines everywhere, perhaps too many, but it was great to see the turn out and to see some of the guys that I haven't seen in a few weeks.

Some of the boys.

I was getting settled in at 12 when I was summoned for a T4T "emergency". Yes, I know I said I was in at 2, but this was my event and I just couldn't stay away. The emergency was a great one! A president of a company came in to spend $5k on Toys for Tots. He had heard it on the radio all week and wanted to help. So, I sent the Marines and some associates out with shopping carts to get what they need (older kids toys) and with in about 10 minutes we were finishing up the $5k. We were so quick that the gentleman said "double it". So I was like... ok! He ended up spending just over $12,500. I was in tears!

A Christmas Miracle! $13k in toys!

The Marines gave us an award/certificate of appreciation for all of our efforts this year on the air. They thanked me personally, on air, for all of my efforts and of course made me cry on air. Punks.

All in all the event went very well, considering no one had power and are facing their own economic hardships. I think we raised about 3000 toys and lots of cash. The state of NH has 65,000+ kids to help this year and this will go a long way. If you are responsible for helping with this in any way, shape or form... Thank you! If you feel you wish you had helped they still need stuff and they still need volunteers to help sort! Some of us from work are going on Wednesday evening if you want to go!