Mon, Jul 06, 2009
U.S. Marine Cpl. Corey Bishop, left, helps sort items for Toys For Tots, which has joined forces with Miracle's Inc.
Photos by Dean Knuth / Arizona Daily Star
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Charles E. Gillman Company Accounting Specialist Administrative & Professional Jorgensen Brooks Group Counselor Mechanical Komatsu Equipment Co Resident Field Mechanic Administrative & Professional Tucson Urban League CEO/President Trades/Construction RANCHO RESORT MAINTANANCE POSITION Sales and Marketing Everready Glass Sales Reps NorthwestToy drive aims to fill needs> Groups work together to avoid redundant efforts <
Arizona Daily STar
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 12.04.2008
In a down economy with need rising quickly, two familiar toy distribution forces have combined efforts this holiday season in hopes of serving more families more efficiently.
The ubiquitous U.S. Marine Corps' Toys For Tots will take over most of the visibility from Miracle's Inc. of Arizona — formerly known as Miracle in Marana — which in turn will take on distribution duties once the toys are collected.
And working between the two companies is D.A.D. Promotions, which is helping put on big events to raise awareness, toys and money for the cause.
"We realized we were just doing the same things. The things were going to the same places," Tim Adams, co-founder and board member of Miracle's Inc., said of the organizations. "They're best at collecting. We're best at dispersing."
Toys For Tots allows non-profit groups to register how many toys are needed and when. In the past, Miracle's has been one of those groups.
At times, because Miracle's also had its own collection boxes in public places, it seemed to be competing for the toys, Adams said.
But now, Miracle's has handed over its contact list so the Marines can put Toys For Tots collection boxes where the Miracle's boxes used to be.
"We all got together in September and decided it was mutually beneficial to everybody and the kids in the Tucson area if we just worked together," said Sgt. Scott Gibson, who is coordinating this year's local Toys For Tots drive for the Marines.
Last year, Toys For Tots helped Miracle's Inc. fill some last-minute toy orders on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, he said.
"They were running out of toys but still had people, and we had toys left over," Gibson said.
Also, Toys For Tots is limited by Marine Corps rules that dictate how much time and money can be spent promoting the toy drive.
If not for Miracle's Inc. working with D.A.D. Promotions, a big event this weekend wouldn't be happening.
Freedom RV is donating five recreational vehicles to be stuffed at five Wal-Mart locations throughout Tucson tomorrow and Saturday, culminating in a concert Sunday at Rillito Park Race Track, 4502 N. First Ave. Santa Claus himself will make an appearance to see who's being naughty and nice.
The big event is "something that we (Toys For Tots) couldn't have done on our own, because I as a Marine can't go out and solicit," Gibson said.
More toys and the change in name mean Miracle's Inc. can hold its usual big party and toy distribution in Marana — this year it starts at 10 a.m. Dec. 20 at Ora Mae Harn Park — and add more and bigger parties elsewhere.
Miracle's will host a toy distribution party on the South Side and on the West Side, with details still being ironed out.
Dan Rodarte Jr., co-owner of D.A.D. Promotions, said having the Toys For Tots name out in front of everything D.A.D. and Miracle's is doing lends a lot of legitimacy to their efforts.
"Unless you're an actual Marine and have your head shaved, people doubt what we're doing," he said. "Our main focus is to promote some events for them to generate toys and revenue, and also to hit the business community for donations."
Adams, of Miracle's Inc., said one thing has remained the same this year: Anybody is welcome at the toy distribution parties.
"Hey, if you're on hard times right now and your children aren't going to have much Christmas, you need to be at this party. I don't care who you are," he said.
● Contact reporter Shelley Shelton at 618-1921 or sshelton@azstarnet.com.
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