To the editor:

On Dec. 23, I was fortunate enough to help at the local Toys for Tots shop. It was rewarding to watch parents and grandparents pick out gifts for their children and grandchildren.

Mary Jones, who has been the “chief elf” for many years now, her husband, Steve, and the organizers and volunteers need to be commended for their commitment. This group is totally self-sufficient. Mary and her family begin hitting after-Christmas sales to start next year’s toy supply and they collect constantly for the coming year. The organization receives very little from the national toy drive, so the goal is to stretch each dollar as far as possible to accommodate every request.

When I left my shift that day, Mary counted applications in one of her files — 1,100. And that doesn’t count the second, rapidly filling, file. I’d be willing to wager that Toys for Tots assisted at least 2,000 children in Douglas County.

Thanks to Mary, Steve and all of the volunteers for a great job! Please remember that donations for this cause are accepted year-round.