Marine Corps
Toys for Tots collection this weekend
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
The Northern Aroostook Marine Corps Toys for Tots organization will be collecting toys this weekend at several locations around Aroostook County. Organizers are looking to spread the word in hopes of making this Christmas a pleasant experience for as many local youth as possible.
“The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots needs your help. We are having a Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run to benefit our children in the northern Aroostook County region,” said coordinator Rudy St. Peter.
“Toys and monetary donations are much needed and can be dropped off at strategic places, from the St. John Valley to Fort Fairfield and Presque Isle,” said St. Peter.
The Motorcycle Run will kick off on Saturday with registration from 9-10 a.m. at the American Legion, located on Legion Street in Madawaska.
“The 165-mile run starts at 10 a.m.,” said St. Peter. “It will finish at 5 p.m. at the 4 Season Lodge on Spring Street in Madawaska.”
Supper will begin at 5 p.m. and feature hotdogs and hamburgers prepared by the Young Marines of Aroostook County. Entertainment will follow from 5 to 11 p.m. with D.J. Dennis and live band music by Little Lisa and the Reckless.
St. Peter said several stops are planned along the ride to pick up donations.
“Stops and pickup of toys and donations will take place in Fort Fairfield at Riverside Park at 11:15 a.m.; in Presque Isle at M.J. Pitlane at 79 Parsons Street at 12:15 p.m., with another stop in Presque Isle just up the street at the VFW on Parsons at 12:15 p.m. Riders will then continue on to Eagle Lake, with a stop at Bald Eagle Store at 2:15 p.m. The ride will conclude in Madawaska at 4 Seasons Lodge at 5 p.m.,” said St. Peter.
The entrance fee for the event is a toy or monetary donation.
“The public is welcome to come join in the event and listen to the music,” said St. Peter.
“I’d also like to note that all toys and/or donations are to be given directly to me, Diane Daigle or Nancy Michaud,” St. Peter said.
For more information, call St. Peter at 834-3504.
