Plymouth Youth Give Toys to Military Families

Military families and orphans of military parents will have a chance for a proper Christmas this year, thanks in part to a sizable toy donation Tuesday from the Plymouth Community Youth Advisory Commission.

The commission, which consists of students in the Plymouth community, organized the drive with Plymouth-based Genuine Toy Co., 550 Forest Ave. This year's drive netted $1,871 worth of toys for children of all ages.

The group has made this drive and the toys are split between Plymouth's VFW chapter for veterans struggling with a poor economy and an Eaton Rapids orphanage for children who lost parents in combat overseas, according to Plymouth City Commissioner Ed Hingelberg, who serves as liaison for the Plymouth Community Youth Advisory Commission.

Hingelberg said the group previously used a big-box store in Canton, but decided last year to keep the dollars local and support an independent merchant downtown. The store, in turn, provided a 20 percent discount on all items bought for the drive.

Canton High School sophomore Angie Distelrath, 15, the commission's vice president and a Plymouth resident, said in an email that she is in her fourth year with the commission and loves the cause behind her group's effort.

"I've always wanted to help out those who can't wake up to a heap-load of presents under their tree, especially those families whose fathers and husbands are off risking their lives for us," she said. "Being home for the holidays is extremely important, which is why I am honored to participate in bringing smiles to people who need them most."

Also participating in the effort were Plymouth High School juniors John Halpin, Carolyn Stoddard, Emily Finch, Shamaila Arafat, Jeff Pattison and Lara Stojanov; Canton High School sophomores Melissa Neal and Bryn Birchler; Canton freshman Halle Mancuso and Salem High School junior Jon Cope.

Plymouth Downtown Development Authority Director Tony Bruscato contributed to the video portion of this report.