Editor, the News-Herald:

The Toys for Tots program for the City of Suffolk is complete with over 1,600 needy children receiving toys this Christmas from birth through age 12, thanks to the citizens of Suffolk who supported the Suffolk Toys for Tots — Suffolk Cheer Fund sponsored by the Suffolk News-Herald.

On Friday, Dec. 13, the Suffolk Social Services completed their part of the distribution and the Suffolk Salvation Army completed their part of the program for Christmas Eve. Thanks to Bill Chorey for furnishing the building that was used for sorting and distribution and the art classes of Booker T. Washington Elementary School headed by Edith Green who painted the mural that decorated the windows.

It would be impossible to thank everyone involved as hundreds of our citizens helped in so many ways by furnishing toys and donating to the Suffolk Cheer Fund. As stated earlier, this program brings Suffolk’s Citizens together for one common cause — to make sure no child on Christmas morning will be without toys from Santa.

We give special thanks to everyone involved as hundreds of our citizens helped in so many ways by furnishing toys and donating to the Suffolk Cheer Fund. As stated earlier this program brings Suffolk’s citizens together for one common cause — to make sure no child on Christmas morning will be without toys from Santa.

We give special thanks to members of the Portsmouth-Chesapeake -Suffolk Association of Insurance Financial Advisors who chaired certain parts of the program: Robert Johnson-Churches; Lise Thomas, Public Schools; John Woleben, Private Schools; John Ward, Industry; Hunter March, picking up toys from the day school Share-a-Toy parties; Jim Chewlew, Jackie Taylor, Bob Mitchell, helping unload toys purchased by the Suffolk Cheer Fund; and yours truly who coordinated the entire effort.

Special thanks also to Maxann Morrison, who again headed up the Day School parties with Santa (Gary Willoughby) on hand to lend cheer to the small children; Rene Spratley, who headed up lunch with Santa, sponsored by Suffolk Parks and Recreation; Charles Pond, who furnishes space each year at Nansemond Cold Storage for any toys left; Annette Ferrell and John Silvers from Suffolk Parks and Recreation and their staff who move toys and help in so many other ways; Frank Rawls, who chairs the Suffolk Cheer Fund; Evelyn Wall and Harvey White, who did much of the publicity, and the entire staff at the Suffolk News-Herald.

The hard work in distributing the toys headed by Marion Sherrod and Joyce Elliott and other members of Suffolk Social Services and Capts. David May and Delores May of the Suffolk Salvation Army along with other members of their group is also appreciated.

Although this year’s Toys for Tots program is complete, except for cleaning up the building and moving toys left from this year’s effort for storage, the Suffolk Cheer Fund is far from complete. This year we purchased over $37,000 of new toys and as of today, only $18,000 has been donated. We appreciate the large amounts donated to this fund by individuals, business and civic groups, but the dollars, tens, twenties and other amounts are appreciated as well. Please open up your hearts and pocketbooks so we can reach our goal of $37,500 so we can close the books with all bills paid in full.

God bless and may everyone have a wonderful holiday season of peace and joy.

William E. Ashley Jr.

Coordinator, Toys for Tots

Suffolk