Published: January 10, 2009 07:00 pm      

Northern Notes: Toys brighten holiday

Christmas morning dawned a little brighter for approximately 6,000 area children who might not have had a Christmas without the generosity of everyone who supported the Toys for Tots campaign.

The total of 14,000 toys collected this past holiday season is down from previous years, but organizers met the needs of the 14 family service agencies in the five-county Grand Traverse area that distribute the toys by purchasing toys from cash donations.

Meijer gave $10,000, while Toys R Us also made a major cash donation. The campaign also was bolstered by a group of volunteers at Cherryland VFW Post 2780 who donated more than 100 bicycles.

Local corporate sponsors were Meijer, Bill Marsh Auto Group, Two Men and a Truck, the Great Wolf Lodge, Bay Area Transportation Authority, the Traverse City Record-Eagle, TV 7&4 and radio stations WKLT, The Fox FM, YOU FM and WLDR.

Employees of Two Men and a Truck played a critical role in picking up toys at more than 100 locations throughout the area, while the Coast Guard Air Station served as the distribution site.

"This is an amazing community," said Toys for Tots Coordinator Maggie Kent. "Even in a down economy we've seen such an outpouring of support for Toys for Tots that it can't help but put a smile on your face."

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The Northern Michigan AIDS Walk Committee and the Thomas Judd Care Center of Munson Medical Center wrote to thank all of the local businesses and community members who supported the 2008 Northern Michigan AIDS Walk.

This year's walk was the most successful yet, bringing in more than $12,000. The money directly helps people living with HIV/AIDS in local communities meet basic needs, pay utility bills, help with car repairs and with medical expenses.

Sponsors and donors were: GM-Plus Affinity Group, Munson Medical Center, JenTees Custom Screen Printing, SideTraxx, Parsons Ringsmuth & Zelenock, Joe and Marilyn Dressell, Prescription Services, the Cottage Cafe, R2R Outreach Program, Walmart, Crusted Creations, Old Town Playhouse, Chateau Grand Traverse, Planet Beach, the State Theatre, Sparky's Diner, the Silver Swan, Migun Health & Wellness Center, Sturgeon River Pottery & Wild Bird Supply, Back to Nature, Great Wolf Lodge, Brys Estates Vineyard & Winery, Cutler's, bd's Mongolian Grill, Northern Michigan Artist Market, Little River Casino & Resorts, Between the Covers, Cornichons European Market, the Outfitter, Ward & EIS Gallery, Lake Street Design Studio, Dennos Museum Center, the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, Ethnic Creations, Oryana Natural Foods Market, China Fair, Grand Traverse Pie Company, Studio Josef's, A-1 Auto, Auntie Pasta Italian Cafe, Luciano Arte Fotografica Internazionale, Living Light Massage & Wellness Center, Mystic Sage, Serenity Tea Bar & Cafe, OPA! Coney & Grill, Taqueria Margarita, Baymont Inn, Pop-Kies, So Many Books So Little Time, Subway, Precision Tune Auto Center, Amical, The Rocking Horse Toy Company, Harbor Wear, Traverse Victorian Inn, Higher Self Bookstore, CC Fine Jewelry, Celtic Rose Irish Gift Shop, Diversions, McMillan's Instant Framer, Charter Communications, Beyond Borders, Empire Sleeping Bear Eagles #4404, Reckless Necklace, the Feral Housewife, Earth Rags, EuroStop Cafe, Designs and Wood, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, and several anonymous donors.

"You all were key to the success of this annual event and your continued attention to HIV/AIDS related issues is vital in order to have local testing, education and direct services available in northern Michigan," the organizers wrote.

Stephanie Beach can be reached at sbeach@record-eagle.com.