Pinellas News

Radio station helps boost Toys for Tots drive

Photos

By Eric Horchy | Suncoast News
Published: December 20, 2012

TARPON SPRINGS - Anyone stopping by the Tarpon Springs Walmart this past Friday got a quick little reminder of the spirit of the holiday season.

Toys for Tots Pinellas County and Holiday-based alternative rock station WSUN 97.1 FM teamed up for a Stuff the Truck event that lasted nearly all day and collected thousands in toys and donations.

The radio station's crew broadcast live from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. with the Morning X team of Drew, Seth and Danielle on-site, followed by Fisher and Geo throughout the day.

As the day progressed, toys of all sizes slowly piled up around the broadcast tent and were loaded into the back of a moving truck to be taken later to Toys for Tots' Pinellas County headquarters in St. Petersburg.

By 5 p.m., more than 40 bicycles were lined up, and organizers with Toys for Tots said Walmart managers believed the day's overall sales would rival that of Black Friday.

Disc jockeys with the radio station, Toys for Tots workers and passers-by frequently described the crush of toys and giving as overwhelming.

The station has coordinated with Toys for Tots for similar events over the years and Fisher, 97.1's afternoon drive personality, said on air that Friday's was "by far the best year we've had."

"You guys come strong," Morning X's Danielle said about the display of giving shown by Tarpon Springs and North Pinellas residents.

Toys for Tots is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and reservists were on hand Friday volunteering with toy collection and loading the truck.

The Pinellas County branch held a toy giveaway this past Saturday at its St. Petersburg headquarters.

To learn more about Toys for Tots, how to get involved or to donate, call (727) 678-4780.

ehorchy@suncoastnews.com (727) 815-1071