These hard-working volunteers were: Back Row (L-R): Lisa Sands, Terryn Streets, Johnny Marshall, Ruth and Josh Morales. Front Row (L-R): Brenda Desantiago, Roy Dutcher, Everitt W. Mooring, Marlin Yelton, Shurland Williams. (Submitted photo/Jo Coombs)

Every year the United Way (U/W), Salvation Army (S/A), and the Marines’ Toys for Tots program combine their efforts and have a distribution of goods in Hendry County. This year the event was held on Thursday, December 15th, in LaBelle, and Friday, December 16th, in Clewiston.

At the LaBelle event, Volunteers in Public Service (VIPS), a volunteer program of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, had Oklahoma Avenue (between Lee and Bridge Street/Hwy. 29) blocked off and were on site directing traffic.

Volunteers for these three agencies passed out toys and food to families. These families were given tickets upon pre-registration. These tickets are so that each family receives a bag of goodies designed especially for their particular family. Each family received a bag filled with a toy for each child in the family, a bag of groceries, and a chicken to eat.