2009 News Archive
Founders Day Toys for Tots drive under way at City Hall
Take time to sign holiday cards for military as well
11/23/2009
This year's City of Johns Creek Toys for Tots drive, part of the city's Founders Day activities, is now under way at City Hall through Dec. 15.
In addition, when you stop by to drop off a toy – or if you have other business at City Hall – please be sure to sign the four large holiday cards that will be sent to armed forces units serving overseas in combat zones.
Toys for Tots began in 1947, when Maj. Bill Hendricks, USMCR, and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The 1947 pilot project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign, which they have carried on ever since. The initial objective that remains as the hallmark of the program today is to "bring the joy of Christmas to America's needy children."
To participate, simply bring a new, unwrapped toy and place it in the collection box outside the reception area at City Hall, located at 12000 Findley Road, Suite 400.
The holiday cards feature a montage of 16 cards designed by local fifth-grade students and also are on display in the City Hall lobby. The Mayor and City Council selected three of the entries to serve as this year's official city cards but decided to include all the entries on the oversized versions going to men and women in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.
In addition to being on display at City Hall, the cards will be available to sign at the holiday decoration lighting Monday, Nov. 30 starting at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot, as well as at the Santa at Newtown Park event starting at 1 p.m., Dec. 5, following the Founders Day Parade.
Since its creation in December 2007, the parade has grown to include more than 100 units and several thousand participants. Founders Day itself has expanded from a one-day event to a weeklong celebration of the city's Dec. 1, 2006 incorporation.
The parade steps off at 10 a.m. and travels State Bridge Road from West Morton Road, ending at Ocee Elementary School at Kimball Bridge Road. Emmy Award-winning news anchor and Johns Creek resident Karyn Greer from WXIA 11Alive News will once again serve as emcee.
In addition to the holiday decoration lighting ceremony, Toys for Tots drive, card signing, parade and Newtown Park event, the week includes holiday book readings by the Mayor and City Council members and a children's holiday decoration-making event at the Johns Creek Arts Center.
See the Founders Day page for a complete listing of events and more information.