PURCELLVILLE, Va. December 10, 2019 — The Town of Purcellville’s Toys for Tots campaign has wrapped up for the 2019 holiday season. More than 300 toys, books, and other items were collected. Over half of the total, 173 items, were donated by Town employees.
This first formal Town of Purcellville campaign was initiated and managed by the Local Coordinator, Joshua Goff who also happens to be the Town’s Capital Projects and Engineering Inspector. Kicking off the effort in early November, collection sites were created at Town Hall, the Purcellville Police Department and the Bush Tabernacle. A few weeks into the collection period, Joshua noticed that the donations were not rolling in as quickly as he hoped. Knowing he could count on his co-workers, he engaged the Town employees in a friendly departmental challenge. The employees did not disappoint. Within a two week period, staff donated 173 items, two of which were bicycles. With a total of 60 items donated, the Finance Department won the challenge. Reflecting on this collection effort, the town manager, David A. Mekarski, stated “My heart is filled with joy to share in the generosity of our employees and community members knowing that they truly understand the meaning of Christmas. It makes me proud to be part of the Purcellville family.”
The Town of Purcellville extends its sincerest appreciation to members of the community and Town staff for their support and generosity through the donation of toys and other items during this campaign to ensure local children in need will experience the magic of the holiday season.
Toys for Tots, a 70-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7 million less fortunate children in 792 communities nationwide. Since 1947 over 244 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
