NEWINGTON, CT, Sep 28, 2005--In the wake of unprecedented hurricane devastation in the Gulf Coast region, the ARRL has announced it will again sponsor a toy drive to brighten the holidays for youngsters left homeless or displaced as a result of the storms. Country singer and ARRL member Patty Loveless, KD4WUJ, has agreed to serve as the honorary chairperson for the 2005 toy drive. ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, is urging the Amateur Radio community to pitch in.
"Last year, hams from all over the country brought smiles to children during the holidays," Haynie said. "We made a lot of friends, and we did a lot of good. No one expected that we would need to do it again so soon, but this year's hurricanes have changed the plans of a lot of people."
Last year, individual radio amateurs and clubs across the US joined together to collect new toys for youngsters affected by a series of four hurricanes in Florida. ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP, says the 2004 effort
was a success beyond anyone's wildest dreams, and there was no question in his
mind about doing another toy drive for the latest hurricane victims.
 Country artist Patty Loveless, KD4WUJ, is the honorary chairperson for the ARRL 2005 Toy Drive. |
Send new toys to ARRL Toy Drive, 1775 Moriah Woods Blvd--Suite 12, Memphis, TN 38117-7125. Send cash donations to assist the drive to ARRL Toy Drive, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. |
"Not only can it be done, it really must be done. It is simply the right thing to do," he said. "We are asking hams from all over the country to begin gathering new toys for shipment to Memphis, Tennessee. ARRL Delta Division Vice Director Henry Leggette, WD4Q, has secured a receiving warehouse and is recruiting ham volunteers there."
Ham radio clubs and individual amateurs should send new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls aged 1 to 14 to ARRL Toy Drive, 1775 Moriah Woods Blvd--Suite 12, Memphis, TN 38117-7125. Plan mailings and shipments to arrive prior to Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 24, for distribution over the holidays.
"Just as we did last year, we are asking the donors to please put a QSL card into the box with the toy," Pitts added. Non-hams are encouraged to join this effort too.
Once at the warehouse in Memphis, volunteers will sort and stock the gifts. "Early in December, we will divide the toys among the various agencies and states that need help the most at that point in time," Pitts explained. "We are making these arrangements so that we can maximize the areas receiving aid while maintaining the unique identity that this is the Amateur Radio Community's response."
Pitts says he's heard from many Amateur Radio clubs that are already gathering toys together. "Please check with your local club and see if they are planning a mass shipment," he urged. "If not, perhaps you can help organize one for your area."
Monetary donations to purchase new toys for special age groups and
to help cover operational expenses also are welcome. Those wishing to donate
money instead of toys can send a check to ARRL Toy Drive, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.
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