State Patrol-led effort brings in almost 1,200 toys
By JOHN A. WINTERS
john@newnan.com
The recently completed Georgia State Patrol toy drive brought in almost 1,200 toys and more than $1,400 in monetary contributions.
“The success of this year’’s campaign was driven by teamwork and absolute dedication,” said Trooper First Class George Cotton.
Troopers and radio operators with the GSP Post 24, based in Newnan, along with the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, Newnan Police Department and Cheerleaders with ACE Cheerleading in Peachtree City, participated in the toy drive.
The event is part of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
The drives were supported by and held at stores including Big Lots (Newnan), Walmart (Newnan), Family Dollar (Temple Avenue - Newnan) and Kmart (Crosstown Drive - Peachtree City), Cotton said. An additional toy drop was held at the ACE Cheerleading Gym (Senoia Road – Peachtree City).
“We received 1,196 toy donations and $ 1,416.33 in cash and check donations,” the trooper said.
“We were fortunate in that we met a very eclectic group of contributors with big hearts With this venture, we were blessed to meet new people, reunite with old friends, and most importantly, to see smiles exhibited on young faces,” he said.
“The toys donated along with any monetary donations collected this season were utilized and distributed in the local Coweta & Fayette County area,” Cotton added. “Collections concluded Dec. 22 with toy distribution beginning Dec. 16, and continuing through Christmas Eve.”
