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GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- About a dozen children living at Seamark Ranch received a new toy - or two - thanks to generous members of the community.
The toys were collected during First Coast News' Hero Central Toy and Food Drive. Today, the children at Seamark waited patiently until each was called up to get a gift.
"To be able to see the joy on the faces of the kids makes it all worthwhile," said Tom Strother, with Second Harvest, who handed out the toys.
Once the gifts were in their hands, they ripped off the wrapping and immediately started playing with their new toys. One boy got a basketball - and said he couldn't be happier.
"This is definitely going to be my favorite, because all my basketballs at home are flat," he said.
Fred Meiners, the executive director of Seamark Ranch, said these gifts are more than just toys. "It just shows that there is a community out there that care about them," said Meiners.
The children at the ranch have had a rough start , he said. Some were living in abusive homes and others never knew their parents.
"It just breaks your heart to hear what the kids have gone through in their life," he said.
About 4,500 toys were collected. The toys will go to 15 different agencies that work primarily with children.
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 Created: 12/15/2009 5:26:25 PM Updated: 12/15/2009 6:16:16 PM Suggest News Tips & Story Leads Submit Video & Pictures |
Corinne Hautala
Dave Wax
Ann Butler
