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Local Toy Drive Now 3rd-Largest

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By LOIS KINDLE

lkindle@tampatrib.com

Published: November 26, 2008

RUSKIN - It has been four years since Don Pearson talked with his friend Kevin Conlan about becoming involved with Toys for Tots. Since then, the owner of Pearson Capital has donned an elf's cap to help Santa, via the Marine Corps Reserve, bring Christmas to children in need.

As in years past, Pearson is working with Bruce Scheller and Shirley May of Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 to host a community-wide holiday party Dec. 7 to cap the drive and thank those who donated toys for the cause. The drive takes place in conjunction with the VFW post's annual observance of Pearl Harbor Day.

Fifty-five businesses across South Shore have become Santa's helpers, too, serving as collection sites for new, unwrapped toys.

"Every year, the drive gets larger and larger," Pearson said. "We were told by the Marines that we are now the third-largest drive in Hillsborough County behind the postal workers' and the Bucs."

"That's right," said former Marine Cpl. Terry Graham, Toys for Tots coordinator for southern Hillsborough County. "That's third out of more than 200 groups that collect toys all over the county.

"Last year, I took toys to the warehouse in a 17-foot moving van filled from front to back and top to bottom with toys from his drive. That included 24 bicycles and more than $1,500 cash. I was amazed."

Toys for Tots is sponsored by the Marine Corps Reserve in Tampa, which also distributes the toys to recipients. The unit was deployed to Iraq right after last year's toy drive and returned Tuesday in time for its 2008 event.

The wrap-up party will take place from 1 to 5 p.m., with food supplied by Pearson Capital, entertainment by DJ Gary and a visit from Santa Claus. Marines in full dress from the reserve unit also will be on hand.

"Admission is at least one new, unwrapped toy," Pearson said.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Toys for Tots drive wrap-up party

WHERE: Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287, 5120 U.S. 41 N.

WHEN: 1-5 p.m. Dec. 7

ADMISSION: At least one new, unwrapped toy

INCLUDES: Food, entertainment and a visit by Santa Claus

INFORMATION: Call (813) 645-2935 or (813) 641-7575.

For a complete list of drop-off locations, go to south shore.tbo.com.

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