[South Florida DX Association] Toy Drive - we CAN do it again!

[wa4aw at juno.com]

Second Holiday Toy Drive 

Can we do it again? Sure! Thanks to hundreds of ham "elves." 

By Allen G. Pitts, W1AGP

In the wake of the unprecedented devastation by Hurricane Katrina, hams
around the country are being asked, "Can we do it again?" A year ago
hams around the country joined together for children left homeless by a
series of four hurricanes in Florida. That effort, in late 2004,
succeeded better than anyone's wildest dreams. No one expected to do it
again so soon. But not only can it be done, it really must be done. It
is simply the right thing to do.

We are asking hams from all over the country to begin gathering new toys
for shipment to Memphis, Tennessee. ARRL Vice-Director Henry Leggette,
WD4Q, secured a receiving warehouse and is recruiting ham volunteers
there. The toys should be sent to 

ARRL Toy Drive
1775 Moriah Woods Blvd - Suite 12
Memphis, TN 38117-7125

where they will be sorted and stocked by volunteers. Early in December
we will divide the toys between the various agencies and states that
need help the most at that point in time. We are making these
arrangements so that we can maximize the areas receiving aid while
maintaining the unique identity that this is the Amateur Radio
Community's response. 

Just as we did last year, we are asking the donors to please put a QSL
card into the box with the toy. 

Many clubs are already gathering toys together. Please check with your
local club and see if they are planning a mass shipment. If not, perhaps
you can help organize one for your area.

"Last year, hams from all over the country brought smiles to children
during the holidays. We made a lot of friends, and we did a lot of good.
No one expected that we would need to do it again, but Katrina's
destruction has changed the plans of a lot of people. I hope you will
help in this effort to bring a smile to children hurt by this disaster."
- Pres. Jim Haynie.

Aiding in this effort is Country singer and ARRL member Patty Loveless,
KD4WUJ, who has volunteered to serve as honorary chairperson.  

Unwrapped new toys for boys and girls of ages 1 to 14 should be gathered
and shipped by amateur radio operators to the Memphis, TN facility
between now and Thanksgiving for distribution over the holidays.
Non-hams are also encouraged to join in this effort to provide for the
thousands of children suddenly homeless due to Hurricane Katrina. 

Monetary donations would also be helpful in covering any expenses of
this operation and purchasing toys for special age groups. (Older kids
often get forgotten) Those wishing to donate money instead of toys can
send a check to:
 
ARRL -Toy Drive
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111