McFall Memorial Chapel donates to Toys for Tots It’s official. The 22nd Annual Kleberg-Kenedy County U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign is underway.

“Campaign headquarters is open and ready to accept donations,” Lisa Bockholt, Campaign Coordinator said.

Bockholt, along with her husband Jerry, have been organizers of the local toy drive since 1988.

Business and community leaders were on hand as Proclamations were read by both Mayor Sam Fugate and new Kingsville Independent School District Superintendent Emilio Castro.

Both Fugate and Castro pledged the city and school district’s support respectively for Toys for Tots.

Ken Oliver, Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s Athletic Director addressed the crowd. In recent years the Javelina Athletic Department has become one of the campaign’s biggest contributors.

Oliver promoted the Javelina’s final regular season home game, Saturday, Nov. 7, as Community Appreciation Night, which will, in part, benefit Toys for Tots. Toy and monetary donations will be accepted at entry gates prior to the start of that evening’s game.

King Ranch Agri-Business Controller Daniel Morales was introduced. The Ranch has been a major donor to the local campaign since 1990.

Morales pledged that this tradition would continue again this year, noting that the campaign could count on King Ranch’s support.

Chief of Police Rick Torres was recognized for his numerous years of continued assistance.

The 2nd Annual Toys for Tots “Service Club Challenge” was announced. The Bockholts encouraged all local service clubs to participate in this years’ contest.

At the conclusion of the campaign, the winning Service Club will be presented with the “I think I can” Traveling Trophy to proudly display throughout 2010.

The trophy, custommade by local resident and woodworking artist Bobby Rich, has been in possession of and proudly displayed by the Kingsville Noon Lions Club for the past year for having presented the most toys to the 2008 campaign.

A special award has also been created in honor of last years’ largest individual donor, Texas A & M University Kingsville’s Ms. Glenda Holland, Ed. D., Professor and Chair, Educational Leadership and Counseling, College of Education.

The “Glenda Holland Award” will be presented annually to the individual credited with donating the most toys.

Wilson’s True Value Hardware will once again serve as Purchasing Headquarters. Owners Ben & Pam Wilson have stocked their store with a large variety of toys for all age groups.

Tejas School and Office Supply is also assisting this year’s campaign. The store is well-stocked with a variety of educational and activity-oriented toys. Both establishments are offering specials on Toys for Totsrelated purchases.

“We encourage the community to visit these businesses, and shop locally when thinking about donating to Toys for Tots”, said Lisa Bockholt.

Pizza Parlor owner Beth Dembski will once again serve as Distribution Coordinator. In this role, Dembski is responsible for the overall organization of the Secret Santa Warehouse, as well as the physical distribution process.

This year marks Dembski’s eighth volunteer year of service to the campaign.

The Texas Dept. of Health & Human Services offices, located on Corral Street, serves as the campaign’s primary and central application site.

Applications for the area’s less fortunate families are now available. Deadline to submit applications is Dec. 11.

Toy and monetary donations will be accepted through Dec. 15, at Stop-n- Lube Quick Oil Change & Car Care Center which serves as Campaign Headquarters.

Businesses conducting internal employee drives, or organizations wishing to make a large toy or check presentation should contact Lisa Bockholt in advance to schedule.

Groups wishing to conduct a benefit event must schedule in advance, and receive prior approval.

For more information, contact Lisa Bockholt at 592-6839.