Townley Honored for Dedication to Toys for Tots Program
Incoming Toys for Tots Coordinator Lois Smart, who assumed Townley’s role following his retirement, said his “nurturing of relationships,” led to a more robust organization. One of those relationships, in particular, is with David Connor, of the Forest Creek community, who was inspired to create a charity golf tournament for Toys for Tots that raises upwards of $40,000 annually.
It’s said the most precious resource is time. Minutes, hours, weeks … for Jerry Townley, who has served as coordinator for Toys for Tots of Moore County, the past 10 years have been exponentially more valuable as a result of his attention and compassion.
On Tuesday, local dignitaries and a roomful of dedicated Toys for Tots volunteers gathered at Pinewild Country Club to honor Townley for his exceptional service. During his tenure, the number of toys collected annually by the local affiliate has more than doubled and financial contributions to the program have quadrupled.
Moore County’s Toys for Tots program is run by members of the Sandhills Marine Corps League Detachment, and is an all-volunteer organization. All toys collected and dollars raised stay in Moore County. In 2023, the organization distributed 12,271 toys to over 4,100 children through partnerships with 40 agencies, including nonprofits, churches, schools and organizations that assist disadvantaged children. Some of the largest beneficiaries are the Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills, San Juan Diego Mission, Sandhills Community College Family Literacy Program and the Northern Moore Family Resources Center. Toys for Tots also donated over 2,700 books to young readers last year.