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Marine Lance Corp. Jon Carlisle saw first hand recently the devastation of Hurricane Helene that occurred on Sept. 27. Riding along with sheriff's officers to Chimney Rock Village, Lake Lure and around the county, Carlisle understood maybe more than ever before the children of Rutherford County need to have a good Christmas. Families have been through a lot.
Carlisle is coordinating the Toys for Tots program for the Cpl. Chris S. Ebert Marine Corps League in Forest City, due to the untimely death of Sgt. Major Don Barrett, who started the program in Rutherford County.
Barrett took it upon himself to go to Quantico, Virginia several years ago to be trained in the Marine Corps League's Toys for Tots program in order that every Christmas toy donated in Rutherford County for Toys for Tots would be given to a Rutherford County child. That tradition carries on today with the Marine Corps League.
Carlisle, along with all members and volunteers of the Marine Corps League and sponsors, planned the first ever Sgt. Maj. Don Barrett Memorial Toy Run for Toys for Tots to be held Sunday, Dec. 8 from 12-5pm at Fly Boy Pizza, 206 Fashion Circle in Rutherfordton.
Members of the Marine Corps League will be on hand to accept donations of new unwrapped toys that will be distributed at Christmas. Each new toy dropped off on Dec. 8 at Fly Boy Pizza, earns a raffle ticket. The top raffle prize for the day is a Blackstone Griddle, donated by MiPueblito. Other raffle prizes have been donated by such great supporters as Reviveu Aesthetics, Slim's Bar & Grill, Naturally On Main, and many more. Winners do not need to be present to win.
From 3-4:30pm there will be a free concert with Lee Newton and the Ramblers and other special guests.
Applications are still being received online or at the Marine Corps Headquarters on Trade Street in Forest City for anyone needing toys for children at Christmas.
Toy distribution days are Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 from 9am to 6pm.
"Anyone wanting to help with Toys for Tots can drop a new toy in one of the boxes placed throughout the county," Carlisle said.
Financial donations are also needed and donors can go to ToysforTots.org to make a contribution that also stays in Rutherford County, Carlisle said.
Last Christmas 5,727 toys were distributed on more than 800 children in Rutherford County.
Carlisle also said the Marine Corps League will assist the Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Center with toys they will need. Anyone wishing to bring toys for the Christmas Cheer Center may drop them off at the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Main Streetin Forest City.
Several angel tree names and Christmas stockings that need to be filled for children, are also available at the Salvation Army Thrift Store.
Carlisle said although coordinating such a project as Toys for Tots takes a toll on the Marines since they spent very little time with family during the Christmas season, "But when the kids have a good Christmas, it makes it all worth it."
