By Taylor Sterling
For the last nine years I have worked with Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus on this Annual Toys for Military Tots Drive that is shared equally between children of Disabled American Veterans in Orange County and children of military either stationed or deployed from Stewart Air Force Base. Last year we gave over $45,000 worth of toys to hundreds of children who were able to enjoy the Holidays with a glee and happiness that was the best gift to their parents.! Those parents are part of the two recipient organizations; children of Disabled American Veterans in Orange County represented by Pete & Laura Rollins who work tirelessly each day to assist with Disabled American Veterans of which they both are…selfless compassionate Veterans. The other recipients are from the 105th Air Wing Lift, MSgt USAF, represented by Gisela Fredenburgh, SMSgt Theresa Castellane and MSgt Anthony Rivera. Let’s help our country’s bravest, who sacrifice so much for our safety and freedom. If you all just purchase one toy for baby to 12 years old it will make so many children smile this holiday as many of our Veterans and Military cannot, in these tough times afford the luxury of purchasing gifts for their children due to the present National administration. Sad to say, but true. This annual drive all began with OC Executive Steve Neuhaus who shared a story of meeting many military families who were just not able to make the holidays for their children what they had hoped. The White House has billions for illegal migrants but nothing for our Veterans and Military. Let’s show we are better than that. Let’s show how grateful we are for the courage of these brave men and women who have served and continue to serve. One of our biggest supporters every year are the amazing Nam Knights and their President, John “Cheech” Richichi who leads a group of retired law enforcement and military helping Veterans, Military and Law Enforcement every day. You may drop toys off until December 6th (last day of the toy drive) to the following: Orange Bank & Trust (all branches) Leo Kaytes Ford, Burke Catholic led by President John Douthit and Principal. Janice Clark, Congressman Pat Ryan’s office in Newburgh, Sheriff Paul Arteta’s office, the Commissioner of Emergency Services, Pete Cirigliano at the 911 Center in Goshen, Sam’s Meat Warehouse in the Village of Florida, McKesson in Montgomery with Susan Dean, at the Computer Guy in Goshen and Warwick, Supervisor Tony Cardone’s Town Hall office in Monroe, and at the Warwick Town Hall. If you would like to participate as a drop off location, please email Taylor@WTBQ.com and we will put you in the commercials and list you as a drop off location. The final photo op which you are all invited to join in, will be at WTBQ Radio on Monday, December 9th at 9:30am. Last season, the students of Warwick Central School District are repeating their incredible drive of which they arrived with literally a school bus loaded with toys. From children to children. Just love that! Let’s all work together, no party involved, just kindness and compassion bringing back the feeling of being real neighbors. It’s good for your heart and great for your soul.
