In the early 1980’s Fredericksburg had a Marine Reserve contingent stationed at the Armory just off US Highway 290 W. With the help of the Fire and Police Departments, the Chamber, and local businesses they provided toys for 20 families with a total of 65 children.
The Armory closed sometime in 1995. Jayson Fritz, Club President in both 1974 and 1985, received permission to continue the toy program through the Rotary Club of Fredericksburg. The Club continues to serve the Marine’s Toys for Tots program today as the sponsor for Gillespie County.
Each year at least 60 members of the Rotary Club of Fredericksburg contribute 1,100 volunteer hours to make the program a success. Preparation for the program is accomplished throughout the year culminating in a full week in December when the volunteers pick up toys from the donation stations, sort the toys by age groups, fulfill the applications for requested toys, wrap, and deliver the toys. It is truly a program of service above self to help children have a joyous memory that will last a lifetime.
The program has steadily grown to serve all of Gillespie County with an average over the past 15 years of 194 families/746 children receiving over 1,000 toys and 900 books each year. The books have been collected by the Boot Ranch Women’s Association for the past several years. Sixteen local banks, businesses, and area civic groups collect new, unwrapped toys using Toys for Tots donation station boxes. Monetary donations are also accepted to purchase toys needed for some age groups.
The Rotary Club of Fredericksburg Club Service Chairperson, Bob Lee, is the Toys for Tots Coordinator for Gillespie County. For more information you may contact Bob at: gillespie.county.tx@toysfortots.org or (817) 401-6074.
