Collecting toys for our kids

It's that time of year again as we gear up for Toys for Tots in our community. This truly has been a community effort and the response has always been fantastic! Between our "Christmas in July" and our Toys for Tots in December, we managed to collect over 1,200 toys last year, all of which stayed in our town!

We're looking at the same incredible group of businesses supporting our effort. Boxes will be at Country Real Estate, Tehachapi Treasure Trove, Miramar International and Tehachapi Martial Arts Center. Some of our old friends will be participating, such as City of Tehachapi, Tehachapi Police Department, the Tehachapi Area Association of Realtors and Bank of the West. Edward Jones on Valley Blvd., Circle K and Bear Valley Springs Realty will be participating for their second year. We also have some newcomers in Race Communications, Waste Management and Keller Williams.

As in past years, every toy puts your name in for a drawing. Prizes include a big screen TV, plus a number of other prizes donated by some of the best businesses around.

The last day for drop off will be Dec. 10, and the drawing will be held on Dec. 13 at my Farmers Insurance office at 212 W. F Street, Tehachapi. And, of course, we'll have a box and some tickets for anyone bringing a toy.

We had over 300 toys this July so we're looking at having over 1,000 toys this Christmas, again all staying here for our kids! Come join us for a great cause and a true community effort.

Marty has been a Farmers Agent here in Tehachapi for over 31 years. His phone number is (661) 822-3737 and the office is across the parking lot from Bank of the Sierra on 212 W. F St., Tehachapi.