JACKSON — Approximately 400 area children had something to smile about during the holiday season as Bartley Healthcare delivered the toys it collected during its 12th annual Toys for Tots drive.
Since the country is currently engaged in two wars, many of the area reservists are deployed, leaving a shortfall of available Marines to deliver the toys. That did not dampen Bartley’s efforts, according to a press release.
Bartley Healthcare Administrator Megan DesJardin enlisted assistance from her fiancé and former Marine, Scott Windrem, who volunteered to pick up the toys and deliver them to the Marines’ Red Bank station.
In addition to donations from Bartley residents, families and staff, Bartley Healthcare was also a community drop-off site.
“We are always humbled by the generosity community residents show during this drive,” said Patricia Mazejy, vice president of marketing for Bartley. “People of all ages come in … some with bags of toys. It is a very heartwarming experience for all of us here at Bartley.”
From skateboards to board games to stuffed animals to video games, toys were collected for boys and girls ages infant through 15. Toys for Tots is a nationwide program sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps. For more than 60 years it has helped bring toys to millions of underprivileged children and families.