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Parley’s Park students help kids in need

Frank Fisher, Of the Record staff

Even Park City families can struggle with difficult times, where holiday gifts may be only a dream and where cold reality is looking for ways to put food on the table. But Parley’s Park students took it upon themselves to collect new toys for kids who might otherwise get none.

On Monday, Dec 11, Parley’s Park Student Council presented U.S. Marine corporal Trevino with 229 new toys for the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots drive. The student council, made up of 20 fifth-grade students, has been working on the drive for over two months, said coordinator Kathie Costello.

"This is really cool," said student council member Maddy Dobkin. "Some of the kids don’t get presents like us." Dobkin bought games, that both boys and girls could enjoy.

Corporal Trevino is collecting toys for the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, to be given out at Fort Douglas, above the University of Utah, to families in need. He spoke of some peoples’ reluctance to accept assistance. "They know help is out there," he said. "It can be hard on someone’s pride to ask for help. But you always put your child first. Having a child myself puts it in perspective for me," he said.

Toys for Tots is a 59-year tradition of the U.S Marine Corps Reserves. According to the Foundation, 18.5 million toys were delivered to more than 7.4 million children, although they note that there are over 13 million children living in poverty.

Costello said, "It is important we can teach children what holidays are all about." The student council members decided this year that Toys for Tots was the charity they wanted to help. When they contacted Toys for Tots, U.S. Marine Corp reservists brought flags, buttons, announcements and everything that could help the kids help other kids.

Student council members volunteer, giving up recess but gaining leadership skills and confidence, Costello said. They helped collect toys, asked other students for donations and gathered the toys. Many members of the student council will make the trip to Fort Douglas to distribute the toys.

As the student council members stood on the stage during the Toys for Tots assembly, The stage curtain was drawn to display the toys collected. On-looking students gasped in amazement, with oohs and aahs at the wonderful sight.

"I’d like to thank the parents, students and staff, who understand what giving is all about," Cpl. Trevino said.

The student council members then carried the toys in bags out to Trevino’s car, to be taken to Fort Douglas to be distributed to those in need beginning Dec. 19, and ending Dec. 23.

For more information, contact Sgt. Cloyd at (801) 583-7318


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