Page 8 - Martin Downs Bulletin - February '22

Page 8, Martin Downs

HoLiday HappeninGs

United Way Of Martin

County Spread Holiday Cheer
For People Facing Hard Times

Despite all of the challenges that threatened to play Grinch
with holiday toy donations, the Christmas magic supply chain
was at full capacity at the United Way Holiday Project.
For more than 30 years, United Way of Martin County
has helped bring Christmas to thousands of children and
their families facing hard times by providing toys and a
traditional holiday meal, and this year was no exception.
“Initially, we were concerned that price increases and
supply chain issues would diminish our donors’ ability
to give and our ability to bring special joy to kids at the
holidays, but once again the community rallied behind this
effort,” said United Way of Martin County President/CEO
Carol G. Houwaart-Diez. “We had a record-breaking year in Martin County Property Appraiser
the number of bikes we were able to purchase and distribute, Jenny Fields with United Way of
which is incredible considering the challenges we faced.“ Martin County President/CEO Carol
The holiday cheer was needed this year more than ever G. Houwaart-Diez
as families faced economic pressures, and many couldn’t
afford the extra expense of a holiday dinner and toys on top
of the regular necessities.
This year, the United Way of Martin County distributed
12,342 toys for 1,506 children, thanks in part to support
from businesses and individuals who cared enough to donate The United Way Holiday Project benefitted from generous sponsorship from STS
to U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation. Aviation.
United Way of Martin County is the local coordinating
organization for Toys for Tots and ensures all toy donations
made in Martin County go toward creating a bright holiday
for local children.

AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer Valerie
Lewis helped families select toys at
the United Way Holiday Project toy
distribution.

The United Way Holiday Project benefitted from generous sponsorship from the
Rubin & Rubin Law Firm.

Dave Nunley and Chris Stagmiller with Martin County Fire
Rescue helped assemble bikes for the United Way Holiday
Project.

Tom Whittington, Cher Fisher and Sue Whittington helped distribute
Tara and Gene Zweben with Zweben Law Group turkeys at the United Way Holiday Project toy distribution.
helped raise funds to purchase over 300 bikes for
the United Way Holiday Project. Holiday Happenings on page 9

Clinton and Hudson Bradley participated in the Martin Aligned
County Fire Rescue bike build. with

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Volunteer Ian Centrone helped load bikes at the United Way
Holiday Project toy distribution.