Members of Marine Corps League Detachment #1438 of Blue Ridge are getting ready for their biggest fundraisers of the year and urge everyone to put the plans on their calendars.
Friday, November 25, will be filled with opportunities to help the league’s annual Toys for Tots campaign.
Jim Brumbelow, commandant of the detachment said, “This is our single biggest fundraiser of the year. While we do a lot to support the Toys for Tots campaign, this one day is the largest in terms of toys donated and cash as well.”
Stuff the Truck kicks off at the Blue Ridge Walmart at 9 a.m.
Marines will accept new, unwrapped toys until 2 p.m. for children aged birth to 17 years. The toys should have a minimum $15 value.
Brumbelow said all the toys collected will be distributed in Fannin County.
At noon, the Marines will begin their annual toy drive at Grumpy Old Men Brewing on East Main Street in Blue Ridge.
The Marines will be grilling burgers and brats. For just $7, an individual can receive one or the other with all the trimmings, a bag of chips, and a soda or water.
Grumpy Old Men will also have its beer available for purchase and the Breaking Point band will be performing from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
With both events still a little over a week away, individuals are urged to mark their calendars and purchase their toys to help the Marines meet the needs of Fannin County children.
Cheryl Jordan, local coordinator for Toys for Tots, explained the importance of the events.
“A lot of people do not understand that Toys for Tots, while supported by the League, is actually a stand alone organization. But, if it were not for the support we receive by League members and our community of local volunteers I doubt we would be as successful as we are to benefit Fannin County. We are just pleased to be able to do it,” Jordan said.
Even as Christmas draws closer, Toys for Tots applications are still being accepted at Fannin County Family Connection or at Morganton-ga.toysfortots.org.