A HUG AROUND THE NECK THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

UPBEATS from page 4SC to visit, she told us, ‘When I retire, I’ll move here and join the Town Square Upbeats!’”

Martin said the Upbeats was the fourth club to be chartered in Sun City. “First came the Vets Club, and then men’s and women’s golf,” he said.

The Sun City Veterans’ Association was the first to support Toys for Tots in Sun City. When a member in the leadership of the Vets’ Club came over to the Upbeats, he brought the Toys for Tots with him. “He hounded me to be president, and finally I agreed,” Martin said. “I’ve been president on and off for 14 years. It’s a lot of work and takes lots of time. All the money we made went to Toys for Tots.”

To this day, the Town Square Upbeats are all-in and activities are held throughout the year to support Toys for Tots. Every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., approximately 150 Town Square Upbeats members meet in the Pinckney Hall ballroom.

The evening starts with a small, freewill donation at the door.

On a recent Friday, $259 was contributed at the door. This was auction night as well, and as usual, all proceeds were going to Toys for Tots.

The atmosphere was electric. Numbered auction cards were distributed, so each person was prepared to make a bid. The crowd was wildly enthusiastic in response to Boccanfuso, the auctioneer, and scores of arms jutted into the air as item after item was presented for sale.

Pamela Gobel bid on – and won – a white golf bag with pink trim. “I bought this to support Toys for Tots,” she said.

The comment was the same throughout the evening. Pat Braley bought two items. Her reason: To support Toys for Tots.

Auctions sales totaled more than $2,000, and in less than 2 hours.

Around Nov. 1, the club distributes Toys for Tots boxes in Riverbend, Magnolia Hall, Hidden Cypress, Pinckney Hall, and the Lake House. Sun City residents generously donate toys, and volunteers empty the boxes daily.

“Last year we collected lots of toys and around $10,000 in monetary donations,” Boccanfuso said. “We took $7,000 to Walmart, where there was a dedicated cashier. Six or seven of us went shopping, and in an hour and a half we spent $7,000 on toys. The average toy cost was $10.”

Boccanfuso said the group also gave $3,000 cash to the effort. “The Marines have designated people to shop for the kids who are 14-17,” she said. “That’s a hard group to buy for.”

Ultimately, the gifts are distributed by the Marines to churches and social organizations like the YMCA, Knights of Columbus, and designated schools. “The Marines bring a truck and come in uniform to our December Dinner-Dance Holiday Party to pick up the toys,” Boccanfuso said.

It is estimated that throughout its history, Toys for Tots has donated 627 million toys to 281 million children, nationwide. The regional coordinator and contact for the Town Square Upbeats is Marine Sgt. Damion Lewis. In 2022, Lewis’ region provided 14,958 kids with 37,287 toys.

This coming year promises weekly fun and special events like a chili supper, a spaghetti supper, a cookout, and an end of the year holiday party.

Boccanfuso said joining is easy. “To become a member costs $10,” she said. “You can just come on Friday night, and join on the spot.”