Time to think about Toys for Tots drive
A local group is kicking off a campaign to collect for Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots with an emphasis on bicycles for Bikes for Tikes, benefiting children in need before the holidays.
“The marina, along with a group of sponsors are helping with the event every single year,” said Colin Karich, owner of the Colin Karich Agency Allstate in Farragut, who has joined fellow sponsors Concord Marina, Nautical Boat Club Lakeside Tavern and organizer Doug Bridle, in the effort.
“They really focus in on the Bikes for Tikes, which is really getting donations of bicycles and that type of thing for the kids,” Karich said. “Sometimes it’s difficult to give away some things they collected with Toys for Tots every year, and the bikes just really do well.
“It’s just one of those items that makes a big difference for the holidays,” he added. “They collected a tremendous amount of bikes last year.
“This year, we wanted to expand (the collection efforts) because it was mainly within the boater community at the marina, so we can help more kids this year. We really wanted to make an impact this year … it’s all for the kids.”
To encourage more donations, the group is holding a Toys for Tots/Bikes featuring a nautical Santa for Tikes drop-off event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11, at Concord Marina, 10931 Concord Park Drive.
While helping with the collection efforts, Santa also will be available for selfie photos and will have a mailbox, where children can drop off letters to the big guy.
“There’s going to be a large pontoon boat decorated as though Santa is on vacation,” Karich said. “It’s going to have a large Santa bag and things that he’s collecting donations for (for) the holidays.”
Additionally, each child who donates will receive a small gift from Santa and have an opportunity to meet a representative from the Marine Corps.
Also, “we’re going to have some events for the kids in the early afternoon,” he said. “It takes over the marina for the weekend.”
“My wife (Jayne) and I were first exposed to Toys for Tots when we lived down in Florida,” said Bridle, a West Knox County resident. “We thought it was the cat’s meow when it came to helping kids.”
When they moved to West Knoxville, The Bridles started a Toys for Tots at the Marina.
