Despite a devastating loss earlier this month, community members say the Toys for Tots program is expected to triple the number of kids served.
Last year, approximately 3,000 kids were served by the program serving Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties. On Monday, December 6th all donations collected for this year’s program went up in flame. However, Steve VanHorn with Simpson Heating & Air explained there has been an overwhelming outpouring of support since that tragedy. “So many exceptional folks have stepped up to really spearhead this effort and assist our local Toys for Tots,” he said. “From Kyle Quillen, new owner of Wilkshire Golf Course, being intimately involved in negotiations with stores and donors, to Nick and the folks at SSB, local trucking companies like Berner Trucking offering to coordinate hauling the toys, other large companies like Dover Hydraulics offering financial and manpower resources to get this all done….it’s been a monumental outpouring of support! This community just gets things done when we ban together. So many great people and companies!”
Just days following the fire at the building housing the 2021 event donations, Simpson Heating & Air made a Facebook post indicating the number of kids expected to be served this year. The post was even made prior to the company’s annual toy drive, which fell on Sunday, December 12th.
VanHorn explained “the news became an immediate call to action. Chad Simpson and I immediately jumped on the phone with a few of our other close business colleagues…scheduled a meeting for that day to meet and discuss exactly how we could make a positive impact.” The company has been a longtime supportive of the Tots for Tots program for the last few years. They support the cause annually donating thousands of toys through their toy for toy match donation drives.
VanHorn noted that the dedication and response of local businesses including theirs has been incredible. “Quite frankly it’s been overwhelming! Local community members know that Simpson Heating and Air has always been a huge supporter of this event, so the next morning the phones started ringing off the hook with questions, donations, volunteer help, etc. It’s another reminder of what an exceptional community we live in! “
He went on to say, “we partnered with SSB Community Bank and Nick McMillen (President of SSB) to open a managed account to ensure all financial transactions are receipted and managed through the proper channels. Our goal is to ensure every child enrolled in the Toys for Tots program locally receives multiple toys on Christmas morning. We’ve partnered with multiple retail stores here locally to handle the logistics of getting the toys in time, as well as ensuring every donated dollar is maximized to its fullest. These partners have been fantastic!”
In the end, VanHorn noted that this tragedy sparked compassion, love, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas in so many. “We’ve been able to turn an unfortunate tragedy into an incredible event encapsulating the heart and spirit of Christmas…and the community has responded in amazing ways. “
It’s amazing to see what can be accomplished with support. No matter how devastating certain losses are, it’s important to give back to communities and help those that may not be able to easily help themselves.