[ARRL-OK] 2005 HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE ON A ROLL!

[Mark D. Conklin N7XYO]

==>2005 HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE ON A ROLL!

Hams are finding even more ways to pitch in and boost the ARRL/The Salvation
Army 2005 Holiday Toy Drive <http://www.arrl.org/pio/#toy>. The League has
partnered with The Salvation Army in an effort to bring some holiday cheer
to children along the US Gulf Coast left homeless or displaced in the
aftermath of this year's devastating hurricanes. Likewise, many individual
radio amateurs and ham radio groups are partnering with others and even
providing some incentives to spread the joy of giving.

Chiropractor Dr Frank Vesci, W1NK, has offered free evaluations to any
patients who bring a toy with them to their appointments. Joe Guvman,
KB1DVG, has been encouraging customers with a special display at his Meineke
Muffler shop to bring in toys for the drive. The Hampden County Radio
Association in Massachusetts has urged members to bring toys to the club's
annual holiday party this week. The club already collected and shipped off a
batch of toys gathered during its yearly auction early this month. Many
others around the country are similarly enthusiastic.

Charles Kosman, WB2NQV, reports that the toy drive's public service
announcement featuring country music star Patty Loveless, KD4WUJ, aired all
last week during the 5:30 PM time slot on KSWO-TV, which serves southwestern
Oklahoma and northern Texas. "That's between the early local news and ABC
Network news," Kosman enthused. "I guess we got some prime time for it!"

Between "testing" the many toys, ARRL Delta Division Vice Director Henry
Leggette, WD4Q, and the crew of ham radio volunteers have otherwise been
busy at the Memphis, Tennessee, warehouse where the toys are collecting for
delivery. Volunteer coordinator Joe Lowenthal, WA4OVO, concedes that the
warehouse crew sometimes has to resist the temptation to play with the toys.
He says the crew has inventoried close to 2800 toys already, and more are in
the offing as the final weeks of the 2005 Holiday Toy Drive approach.

"Things are definitely picking up," Lowenthal told ARRL this week, noting
that some 500 toys arrived November 29 alone. While many of the
toys--perhaps 1000 or more--are stuffed animals, he says there's quite a
variety among the remaining donations, including a lot of athletic gear.
"We've got soccer balls, we've got basketballs, we have footballs," he
reports. And there's more. "We have a number of dolls, doll sets, jewelry,
makeup kits, we have a number of crayons and coloring books, we even have
some computer programs, quite a few puzzles and games," Lowenthal added. One
donor sent an educational toy that lets the youngster set up various
electronic circuits. "He's probably hoping whoever gets it will become a
ham," he said.

There's still a big need for toys suitable for older children, Lowenthal
said. He suggested that ARRL members write a check to help cover those needs
unless they have a specific donation in mind. One individual has donated a
new bicycle. "That will probably be the biggest item," he said.

Radio amateurs are invited to send new unwrapped toys for boys and girls
aged 1 to 14 to: ARRL Toy Drive/The Salvation Army, 1775 Moriah Woods
Blvd--Suite 12, Memphis, TN 38117-7125. Include a QSL card or a card bearing
your call sign.

ARRL invites its members to send checks if they prefer, made out to "ARRL
Toy Drive." Send these donations to: ARRL Toy Drive, 225 Main St, Newington,
CT 06111.

At the warehouse, volunteers log in each contribution, then sort the toys
and record the donors, if known. Lowenthal notes that in some shipments QSL
cards have not been attached to a particular toy. He advises donors to tape
cards to the gifts. Many hams have indicated, however, that they're less
concerned about getting credit or even a "thank you" for their contribution
as long as they know the toys are going where they'll bring smiles.

Lowenthal says the toys have been arriving via a number of carriers, but he
recommends FedEx, UPS or DHL for the most expeditious delivery, although
shipments have been arriving via the US Postal Service as well.

ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP--the League's
point man for the drive, says the final two weeks are critical. "This is
when we make or break it," he said. He encourages groups, clubs and
individuals to send their toy packages by December 10.