Numbers don't lie - the community was generous during holidays

The Toys for Tots donation and distribution times have been over for several weeks. However, it was not until Wednesday the real impact was known.

For the Carson City and surrounding area under the direction of coordinators Pat and Dave Wyble, the numbers are in. One thing's for sure, the residents were generous.

Covering Carson City, Lyon, Douglas and Storey counties, the number of toys donated was 6,631. These toys, in addition to toys purchased for specific needs, were given to 2,159 children.

"This was the second most successful campaign in the 58-year history of Toys for Tots," said Dave Wyble. "We had terrific support from several local business who helped make that possible - Wal-Mart, Douglas County and Carson City; Grocery Outlet; Dick Campagni, Toyota and Mazda/Hyundai dealerships; Casino Fandango; Lowe's Home Improvement Center; US Restaurant; Applebee's; SlotWorld, Carson City Library; and Snap-On Tools.

"And we had some very dedicated volunteers - Ida Degurza, who took all the calls; Champions for Children; U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Office and Marines from Mountain Warfare Training Center; Cathy and Dennis Nix; and Bob Delaski.

"We are in a debt of gratitude to the community and businesses for their pouring out of gifts during the season," Wyble added. "They really pulled together for us this year."

Wyble commented at the noteworthy accomplishment of donations during a year in which the benevolence of the American people was tested to its fullest by the tsunami, hurricanes in the Gulf Coast, and earthquakes in Pakistan and Afghanistan in October.

Toys for Tots campaigns were conducted in 520 communities covering 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico - the most extensive coverage ever in the program.

"It really was a good year," he said.

-- Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

By the numbers

WHAT: Toys for Tots Campaign

WHEN: October-December 2005

WHERE: Carson City, Lyon, Douglas and Storey counties

Number of toys collected: 6,631

Number of toys purchased: 576

Toys received from foundation: 832

Toys brought forward from previous year: 930

Number of children receiving toys: 2,159

Number of toys distributed: 7,557

Number of toys to another unit (South Lake Tahoe): 650

Remaining toys: 762

Population of area covered by program: 199,000