WTBQ Toys for Military Tots distribution day

WARWICK — On Monday, December 9, contributors to the third annual Toys for Military Tots toy drive assembled at the office of Orange County Community Radio WTBQ (1110 AM/93.5 FM) to celebrate the success of the program and the distribution of the toys.
The program was originally launched by station owner Frank Truatt and station manager Taylor Sterling, who had conceived the idea after speaking with Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus about the needs of the children of our military, both active duty and those of disabled veterans.
The station then teamed up with numerous organizations to help support this toy drive. And drop off boxes were located throughout the county as well as at the WTBQ office.
"The Toys for Military Tots Drive," said Sterling, "was a resounding success for all those children whose parents are disabled American veterans and for all military branches at Stewart who are either in the reserves or in active duty."
The Nam Knights, for example, contributed more than $500 worth of toys.
Others included CuraLeaf of Newburgh, McKesson Corp., Hudson Valley Seafood, Warwick Valley School District, the children from Golden Hill Elementary School, and many more.
"The generosity of Orange County is astounding," said Sterling, "The entire reception area of WTBQ was piled to the ceiling and all we could picture were the faces of the children on Christmas morning who would be opening them."
She estimated that approximately $5,000 worth of toys were donated from all over the county and northern New Jersey.
"Our County Executive, Steve Neuhaus, a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves, has been called up for an assignment to the Middle East," Sterling added. "It was his suggestion that initially sparked the first drive and all the drives since. Please keep these children and their parents, and Steve in your prayers and remember to thank those who serve and have served for their service so we may enjoy peaceful holidays with our families. God Bless us one and all."
If anyone would like to contribute a toy, drop it off at WTBQ, 179 Sanfordville Road, and they will have Santa make the delivery just in time for the holidays.
- Roger Gavan