TRC toy drive named best in nation

From left, Paul Cesana, Executive Director of The Resource Center, accepts an award in the shape of the Toys for Tots train logo from the coordinators of the local toy drive: Terri Johnson, Heather Brown and Mike Volk.  The award was given to TRC from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation for operating the top toy-raising campaign of 2009.

The Resource Center has received a prestigious national honor from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation for last year’s toy drive in Chautauqua County.

The Resource Center received a Meritorious Public Service Citation for being selected as the local community organization that coordinated the outstanding Toys for Tots drive in 2009.

Local campaigns were conducted in 691 communities last year (an increase of 34 from 2008).  Two of the local campaigns – one conducted by a Marine Corps Reserve Unit and one conducted by a local community organization – were selected to receive the Meritorious Public Service Citation.

TRC’s selection was based on the number of toys collected in relation to the community population; the number of children reached in relation to the community population; adherence to administrative procedures; the spirit of teamwork demonstrated; attention to detail; advance planning; effective execution of TRC’s plan; and responsiveness.

The recognition was bestowed at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., at which Michael Volk, TRC’s Director of Rehabilitation and Employment Services, was named the Toys for Tots National Coordinator of the Year.  Mike accepted the award on behalf of himself and the two other lead coordinators of the local toys drive: Heather Brown, TRC’s Director of Individualized Services, and Terri Johnson, TRC’s Employment Services Administrator.

The Resource Center has been conducting the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County for the past 10 years.  In recognizing TRC’s efforts during 2009, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation noted that the local drive collected more than 5,500 toys that were distributed to more than 2,100 children.  The Marines also admired TRC’s ability to coordinate a toy drive across 1,100 square miles of a rural county.

TRC’s ability to provide toys to so many children each year would not be possible without the generous support of the local community.  This year’s toy drive runs through December 17.  Click here for information about this year’s Toys for Tots drive