Room at the Inn for toys
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
PATRONS DONATE TOYS — From teddy bears and tractors, to puzzles, Play-Doh and plush pigs, the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center’s patrons donated over five dozen toys that will make Christmas a bit brighter for area children this year. The items were given to United Way of Aroostook just in time for distribution before the holiday. Pictured with the toys are Claudia Stevens, UWA’s executive director, and Robb Miller, operations manager for the PIICC.
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — Christmas will be a bit brighter for some area children, thanks to the generosity of patrons of one local business.
“The Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center held a toy drive this fall. We asked patrons of the Connection, as part of band night, to donate new toys which will be distributed to children throughout Aroostook County this Christmas,” said Robb Miller, PIICC operations manager.
Miller said several dozen toys were collected.
“We held a couple events. We had about 64 toys for various ages for both boys and girls dropped off,” Miller said.
The toys were presented to the United Way of Aroostook last week, in time for Christmas distribution.
“We didn’t put boxes out this year, so we’ve relied on purchasing gifts and collections like this,” said Claudia Stevens, executive director, UWA.
Stevens said the number served remains steady, with this year’s total falling in line with last year.
“We served 1,281 last year throughout Aroostook County. We’re near the same or a little less this year,” said Stevens.
United Way officials will work with other County agencies to see that the toys wind up with those in need this holiday.
“We work with other organizations and programs, like Kiwanis, to distribute items to those most in need,” said Stevens, noting distribution was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Dec. 18.
