Toys for Tots hosts holiday kickoff

The spirit of Christmas was alive and well at Mat-Su Cinema last weekend, as dozens of children brought gifts for their less fortunate neighbors. But the giving went both ways, as Mat-Su Cinema provided the young Samaritans a fun afternoon at the movies.

In what has become an annual tradition, Toys for Tots once again organized a free movie for children and families who donated gifts. This year's showing -- the blockbuster "Monsters, Inc."

Twelve-year-old Greg Washam had already seen the hit animated movie, but that didn't stop him from showing up Saturday afternoon. He said he was looking forward to seeing it again, and he brought along a Bob the Builder toy to add to the large bin of donations.

"I think it's great. It helps to teach them about giving to others," said Barb Heimerl, a Wasilla resident who brought her two daughters to the event Saturday.

Toys for Tots, in coordination with the Valley's Special Santa Program, gathered around 50 toys and other gifts, ranging from stuffed animals to cologne for teen-agers.

"The toys do stay in the Valley," said Stephanie Tri, coordinator for the event. But by offering a free movie to those who bring gifts, the group hopes to make it fun for everyone.

"In a lot of cases, a family cannot normally afford to go to the movies," Tri said. She said the event not only gathers gifts for Toys for Tots, but also allows families to have a fun day out. "That's something else Toys for Tots supports -- good family fun," she said.

Last year was the first time the Valley had its own Toys for Tots program, and the movie "102 Dalmations" drew an impressive crowd.

"We had people waiting outside for an hour and a half," Tri said.

The turn-out last winter was so strong, Tri admits she was a little overwhelmed with trying to gather and then distribute all the donated gifts. So this year, the Valley Toys for Tots joined forces with the local Special Santa Program, which also brings Christmas gifts to Mat-Su children in need.

There are no income or other qualifications to receive gifts through the Special Santa program -- either the family, neighbors or friends can fill out a basic application that includes only address, name, gender and age of the children.

"That way we don't have to get as personal with people," Tri explained. She said some parents are embarrassed to admit they need some extra help during the holidays, but by only requiring basic information, Toys for Tots and Special Santa programs hope to remove some of the barriers that might keep families from applying.

The new partnership between Toys for Tots and Special Santa is benefiting both groups, according to Special Santa coordinator Mari Jo Parks.

"It has been wonderful," she said.

Toys for Tots, a U.S. Marine Corps program, began in 1947 and during the past five decades has distributed nearly 300 million toys to 133 million children throughout the nation.

Valley residents will have additional opportunities to donate to Toys for Tots during the next weeks, including at Colony Christmas in Palmer Dec. 8 and at Wasilla's Christmas celebration Dec. 15. Gifts will be distributed Dec. 21 and 22.

To become involved with the Special Santa program, people may call 761-3770.