The team at Gateway Royalty dedicated time to spreading Christmas spirit this holiday season by participating in Carroll County’s Toys for Tots program.
Founded by the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1974, Toys for Tots is a program that collects and distributes toys to children of low income families each year. Nationwide, Toys for Toys donates toys to millions of children across the country.
Held at the Atwood Lake Resort on Wednesday, Dec. 17, the event was created to distribute toys to children in Carroll County. Gateway donated $2,500 that was used to purchase brand new toys for participating children.
“This is a project that I got involved with five years ago,” said Larry Jenkins, Toys for Tots volunteer. “I mentioned this to Gateway and, as always, they immediately stepped up to the plate.”
According to Coordinating Officer of Toys for Tots, Deborah Oberlin, the organization typically worries each year if they’ll have enough presents, but Gateway’s donation made the night stress-free.
“Gateway made a sizable financial contribution, one of the biggest we’ve ever had,” said Deborah Oberlin, Coordinating Officer of Toys for Tots. “This contribution enabled us to take a little bit of that worry out of our minds this year.”
“Christmas time is the time of year for giving,” said Gateway Royalty President, Chris Oldham. “We’re very honored to help the families in the area and to be a good neighbor.”
According to Gateway Royalty Vice President, Doug Green, the team truly enjoyed spending time with the children and their families.
“There is nothing comparable to seeing how happy people are when you’re able to give them a Christmas present — it really means a lot.”