Monday, December 9, 2024–12:10 p.m.
-News Release-
“It couldn’t happen without them.”
That was Linda Hatcher’s response when asked about how important Atrium Health Floyd Emergency Medical Services is to the success of the annual Toys for Tots Drive.
Once again, EMS is already deep into the gift collection process this year, and Hatcher, the local campaign coordinator for Toys for Tots, is grateful for Atrium Health Floyd’s commitment.
“EMS is indispensable because of the amount of work that it takes, the amount of work that goes into what they do,” Hatcher said. “We give out, depending on the year, between 200 and 300 boxes of items. That is just a massive amount of work.”
Atrium Health Floyd has been participating in the Toys for Tots drive since the early 1990s when toys could be dropped off at the entrance of Floyd Medical Center. In 2009 Floyd EMS began to coordinate the collection of toys countywide when the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves closed its armory on Shorter Avenue.
On Thursday, Atrium Health Floyd EMS again made what has become an annual visit to St. Mary’s Catholic School to pick up presents donated by students and staff. The school is one of the large toy collection sites and has been a longtime supporter of Toys for Tots.
The Rome Police Department, Rome Fire Department, and the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office were also present to show their support and keep an eye on the kids carrying presents.
“We really appreciate the cooperation of law enforcement,” said Robby Hill, associate director of Atrium Health Floyd EMS. “Their presence shows their servanthood spirit and how much they care about the community they serve.”
Andrew Garrison, an EMT at Atrium Health Floyd, has been spearheading the Toys for Tots pickups for each of the past 9 years.
“This is just a great feeling, and I can say I really enjoy it,” Garrison. “It is something special.”
Garrison and other EMS teammates not only help pick up donations, they also help Hatcher keep track of the master list, so they don’t leave any toys behind. Sometimes people ask for donation boxes, she said, so she has to know where all of them are.
EMS also occasionally provided breakfasts for volunteers, she said. “It’s Bud (EMS Director Bud Owens) and his crew. They do so much for us.”
Toys will be distributed to kids on Dec. 14 at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.