by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — For many years Monticello Casino and Raceway has been involved in the worthwhile U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Charity Toys for Tots.

The mission of the Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

Once again this season, the employees of Monticello Casino & Raceway raised cash and donated toys to help support the Toys for Tots program. Beginning on Nov. 9, the employees and guests of Monticello Casino & Raceway have been reaching into their pockets to donate money, or new unwrapped toys, to the Toys for Tots Foundation.

Monticello photo

Director of Human Resources Eileen Cavanaugh (left) and Toys for Tots Marine Corp League member Linda Kinney (right) with all the toys donated by Monticello.

On Dec. 16, Director of Human Resources Eileen Cavanaugh presented approximately 100 toys and a generous monetary donation to Toys for Tots Marine Corps League member Linda Kinney.

“This year marks the eighth year Monticello Casino & Raceway has been actively involved with the Toys for Tots program. Each year our donation seems to be more generous. Even in these difficult economic times, our employees and guests dig deep to purchase Toys for Tots trains or donate toys,” said Cavanaugh.

Kinney has been very busy going to local businesses to collect all the donations from around the county. She has already visited local churches and non-profit organizations to give toys to children in need.

“The main objective is to get a toy to every child for Christmas,” Kinney explained. “The toys are distributed in our area so the children of this county will be able to benefit.”

“Our employees have been donating to Toys for Tots for many years now. We can always depend on their kindness and generosity to help people who are in need,” Cavanaugh added. “We are very thankful and proud of all of them.”