After two extremely successful years in a row, Sedona Toys for Tots has begun its 2021 donation boxes and fundraising for the upcoming holiday season.
Leonard and Karen Barrow, both retired teachers, are entering their 8th year coordinating Sedona Toys for Tots. Leonard Barrow joined the Sedona Marine Corps Detachment in 2008 as one of the original members. He and Karen have been working with the campaign since the detachment started in 2009. It was in 2013 that the Barrows took over as coordinators.
“Our expected goal this year is to serve every child we can,” Karen Barrow said. “The pandemic has its surprises, but as far as toy donation goes, it seems to have encouraged donations. Our fundraising last year was phenomenal.”
Last year the chapter was able to distribute 4,102 toys and support 1,232 children in the Sedona area, according to its website. The Barrows contributed some of this major success to Sedona firefighter Mark Feeney’s 12-hour bike ride. Feeney’s ride raised over $5,000 for the organization. He plans on continuing the tradition this year on Saturday, Dec. 4. Feeney’s indoor cycling ride will be live-streamed for followers to join along.
Around 50 toy drop boxes were placed around Sedona at the beginning of November. The boxes will be out and available for donations until Dec. 9. The online Amazon gift registry and fundraiser, which started last year, is back as well.
Families can register for toys through Dec. 18 for children up to 14 years old. This can be done through their child’s school, the Sedona Community Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, or the Toys for Tots website. Toys will be distributed from Tuesday, Dec. 7, to Tuesday Dec. 14. But Toys for Tots is not just for residents of Sedona.
“The pandemic and housing situation has made it more difficult for working families to live in Sedona,” Karen said. “But the number of Sedona children served remained steady and we were also able to send toys and gifts to Beaver Creek Kiwanis, Oak Creek School and the Hopi Nation.”
On Nov. 14, Sedona Winds Retirement hosted a dinner for the local toy drive. With nearly 70 guests in attendance, the dinner raised $1,900. The Sedona Winds residents will use the funds on their upcoming Walmart trip to purchase toys for the organization.
The chapter will also be distributing new bicycles and helmets to Sedona children ages 4 to 8. Distribution is set for Sunday, Dec. 12, at West Sedona School from noon to 3 p.m.
All information about drop box locations, online giving, and gift registration can be found at the Sedona Toys for Tots website.
