Hundreds of kids in the Upper Keys will wake up to find presents beneath the tree this Christmas, thanks to a community toy drive spearheaded by Islamorada Fire Rescue and village Mayor Sharon Mahoney.
On Dec. 16, Mahoney and fire rescuers went through the bags of toys restaurants and businesses in the village collected in recent weeks. There were also special toy collections during Holiday Fest on Dec. 6, at Mahoney’s florist shop on Dec. 7 and during Santa’s stops through Islamorada on Dec. 15.
“We spent Monday going through hundreds and hundreds of toys. Seven members from our fire department showed up to help sort and stack the toys,” Mahoney said.“I couldn’t believe how this community came through. It was overwhelming. (Fire Chief) Terry (Abel) and I were grinning ear to ear when we got done.”
“It was an amazing outpouring of gifts,” Abel said. “We covered everyone on the list and then some.”
A community of leaders, businesses and residents recently took the reins to a toy drive that was formerly headed by GySgt. Lou “Gunny” Slagle as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Florida Keys Toys for Tots. Slagle told Keys Weekly in a recent phone interview that a lack of support staff brought an end to the local Toys for Tots drive this year. The local community sprang into action with Mahoney and Abel taking control of the sleigh. Boxes were distributed at a number of businesses in the village, including Mahoney’s Enchanted Forest shop at MM 82.8.
In addition to the toys collected, 15 bikes were purchased to fulfill the wishes of Keys’ kids.
“I know what a thrill it is to get a bike on Christmas morning,” Mahoney said.
Gifts collected during the three-week drive were distributed to local day cares, churches, the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter and schools. Mahoney said they even gave hundreds of toys to help fulfill the wishes of kids in Key Largo.
“I’ve gotten texts and calls from teachers and social workers saying ‘You have made these kids’ Christmases,’” Mahoney said.
