Cherokee County Toys for Tots had successful year

John Evans tells the history of the military coin at the Toys for Tots Volunteer party.

The 2008 Toys for Tots campaign in Cherokee County was a success due to the generosity of its citizens. While many other campaigns throughout the United States were struggling to meet their goal of providing toys to needy children, about 1500 children in Cherokee County were given toys by the two local campaigns. Harley Hensley is the local coordinator for Andrews and Marble and John Evans is the local coordinator of the Murphy, Brasstown, and Culberson communities.

On Saturday, January 10 there was a volunteer recognition party at the Blue Mountain Coffee and Grill Restaurant. There were 68 Certificates of Appreciation, 18 Commander's Awards, five plaques and other items of appreciation distributed. Receiving the marble plaques were Eller and Owens Fine Furniture, Snap-On, Cherokee County Schools, Carl Speigel and St. William Catholic Church.

John Evans, local coordinator and member of the Marine Corps League, Cherokee Detachment #1011, said that thanks to the incredible support of this community, Toys for Tots was able to give out many toys, about 45 bicycles, and even buy after-Christmas toys on sale for next year's campaign. He is especially appreciative of Wal-Mart and Ingles for allowing the volunteers to collect donations outside of their stores, and to Cherokee County government for allowing Toys for Tots to use a warehouse for storage.

John Evans presents Cherokee County Schools and Dr. Stephen Lane with a marble plaque in recognition of their support for the Toys for Tots campaign. Jack Rhodes receives a USMC watch as the 2008 Toys for Tots Volunteer of the year.