JROTC continues Toys for Tots tradition

KELLOGG — The long holiday break is finally over for the local students in the area, but there were some who gave up part of their break to help those other Silver Valley families in need.

The Kellogg High School Marine Corps JROTC once again got involved with the Toys for Tots toy drive program and were able to make sure that more than 400 kids received toys that they otherwise wouldn’t have gotten.

Major Craig Petersen, the Senior Marine Instructor at Kellogg High School, was once again blown away by the hard work of his cadets, as well as the generosity of the community that he lives and works in.

He also believes that it isn’t just the kids and families in need who benefit from this, but also his students, who get to feel the rewarding experience of giving back to the community.

“I feel it’s important for the KHS students to see community support in action,” Petersen said. “If we don’t take a proactive approach to supporting volunteer activities in your community, a lot of activities would not happen. We also feel that it’s important to give back to your community as much as you can. Community service or volunteerism enables students to acquire life skills and knowledge, as well as provide a service to those who need it most.”

As part of the toy drive — 184 families were helped, 419 kids received toys and more than $700 was donated.

“I am proud to live in such a generous community where we come together for a cause of making sure children have a Christmas to remember,” Petersen said.

Petersen would also like to thank Stovern Supply, Walmart and the community at large for their donations, as well as the ladies who do all of the behind the scenes work at Santa’s Workshop, where they make sure the toys get delivered where they need to go.