WTBQ Toys for Military Tots reports record collections by distribution day

On Monday, Dec. 16, contributors to the fourth 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.

Sterling reported that WTBQ’s fourth Annual Toys for Military Tots drive concluded with the largest bounty of toys ever collected.

She said that the station looked like a toy store and estimated the value of the toys at almost $8,000.

Among the major contributors were Bob Caridi, president of the Nam Knights, Bob Lesko of Wayne Subaru, Orange Bank & Trust, Dawson Motors, Orange County Tourism, Leo Kaytes Ford, Kevin and Roxanne Brand of The Computer Guy, The Town of Monroe, Quinzz Pinz and many individuals and businesses.

“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 generosity of Orange County is astounding. 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.

"God Bless and please say a prayer," she added, "for all those veterans and military stationed overseas that they return safe and soon to their families.”

- Roger Gavan