MAGAZINE
DECEMBER 2019
Annual Telethon Returns to Spread Christmas Cheer in Kokomo
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WE CARE: ANNUAL TELETHON RETURNS TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER IN KOKOMO
The year was 1973, and Dick Bronson was a deejay at WWKI-FM when he fielded a call from a forlorn factory worker. Unemployed at the time, he didn’t know how he was going to swing Christmas for his kids that year. An empathetic Bronson offered the fellow half of whatever money was in his wallet, which was $20. The man was grateful, but the kind gesture didn’t stop there as listeners stepped up as well.
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DECEMBER WRITERS
Jon Shoulders / Seth Johnson Annelise Hanshaw / Sarah Shutt Christy Heitger-Ewing
DECEMBER PHOTOGRAPHER Jim Hunt
SHOP LOCAL! Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Kokomo Magazine offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business.
7 Toying Around: Amber & Todd Jordan Have Collected a Big Following at Kokomo Toys & Collectibles
12 The Hope Doll: We Care’s Annual
Tradition Brings Hope to Others
20 Sooner or Tater: Former Teacher Donates Mr. Potato Head Collection to Children’s Museum
22 Plugging In: Popular Christmas
Light Display Returns to We Care Park
14 We Care: Annual Telethon Returns 24 Elf on the Shelf in Kokomo to Spread Christmas Cheer in 28 December Events Kokomo 30 December Crossword 31 Pets About Town 4 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atKokomo.com
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Amber & Todd Jordan Have Collected a Big Following at Kokomo Toys & Collectibles Writer / Jon Shoulders Photographer / Jim Hunt
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S
ince its 2014 opening on East Sycamore Street, Kokomo Toys & Collectibles has been a local, regional and national shopping destination for all ages. And it’s not difficult to see why. The shop carries a staggeringly extensive selection of new and vintage toys, action figures and stuffed animals going back to the 1960s, making it a veritable castle of collectibles for all ages. After leaving their jobs at General Motors back in 2008, Amber and Todd Jordan felt the time was right to start a business they felt passionate about. Both had accumulated a fairly sizable assortment of action figures and other collectibles over the years (some of Amber’s favorites as a kid were He-Man, She-Ra and My Little Pony), and they figured they could do a decent trade selling a few. The Jordans began operating out of a modest, 950-square-foot space on Morgan Street, buying and selling toys and action figures primarily online. The location was less than ideal for walk-in traffic, and after a few years, the couple began to realize the size of their growing inventory would necessitate a bigger space anyway. They moved to their current East Sycamore Street location and officially opened Kokomo Toys & Collectibles in early 2014, and their location, next to comic book shop Comics Cubed and near Kingdom Cards & Games on Walnut Street, has become affectionately known among locals as Geek Street. With what Amber describes as the largest selection of action figures in the midwest, Kokomo Toys buys, sells and trades current and retro Marvel, D.C., Star Wars, G.I. Joe and Transformers figures to name just a few. “We have modern and vintage items for all ages and all budgets,” says Amber, adding that the internet has made searching out hard-to-find collectibles much easier than brick-and-mortar 8 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atKokomo.com
shopping alone, ever since she and Todd began buying and selling them for a living. “Vintage toys are always the most popular from the 80s and 90s, but anything Star Wars and also more modern toys like Funko Pop! figures are a huge hit here.” Shoppers come from all corners of the state and country just to have a look around at the ever-expanding inventory. Amber says her stock is usually so extensive she couldn’t even put a number on it, and as long as the customers keep showing up, she and Todd will continue to keep the racks and shelves crammed with new and vintage items. “We owe all our success to our loyal customers and the support of our amazing community,” she says. Born and raised in Kokomo, the Jordans have lived their entire lives here and say the area is ideal for raising their children and running a business.
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“We love this community and the changes that have been going on, specifically downtown and how we are a more walkable city with beautiful trails and amazing locally-owned and operated businesses here,” Amber says. The couple donates regularly to the Kokomo Humane Society, We Care and Toys for Tots, and earlier this year they teamed up with their fellow Geek Street proprietors — Shawn Hilton, owner of Comics Cubed, and Jason Van Haecke, owner of Kingdom Cards & Games — to present the
765-271-6875 414 North Main Street • Kokomo
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first-ever Geek Street Scholarship. The inaugural $500 award went to Kokomo resident Isabella Eisaman, a sophomore in college studying chemistry, two-dimensional art and museum studies.
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The scholarship began as a brainstorm of Hilton’s, as a way to give back to the community and help locals in need of money for educational purposes. Van Haecke and the Jordans jumped on board right away when approached by Hilton, and donations for the Geek Street Scholarship are collected at the three stores throughout the year. Amber says she and Todd never tire of seeing collectors come from near and far just to browse around for a while, and they’ve been pleased with the consistent turnout through the years.
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“Often (customers) book hotels and spend the day in Kokomo enjoying activities, nightlife and restaurants,” she says. “Our customers know it’s worth the drive to travel here from all over the midwest because it’s a toy show every day we open. We have been a part of countless family traditions, and families make the pilgrimage here once and sometimes twice a year. We are honored to be a part of their family traditions.” Kokomo Toys & Collectibles is located at 111 East Sycamore Street in Kokomo. For more information, call 765-868-8151 or visit kokomotoys.com. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.
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Hope We Care’s Annual Tradition Brings Hope to Others Writer / Sarah Shutt Photography provided
Hope, the doll that is at the center of the We Care tradition, has been a staple of We Care since she was found in a bag of donated items. Hope was originally created in 1965 by Hasbro Inc, with the given title “Little Miss No Name.” Sadly, she wasn’t a big hit and was easily overlooked.
However, the volunteers of We Care thought differently and were moved by her big eyes, out-turned palm, and the tear rolling down her face.
those in need, and want to help those. This is what makes the heartbeat of the organization and pushes us to do more and give back to the community.”
“Hope reminds us that we all need help sometimes and that we should always have hope.” Becky Varnell, president of We Care, says. “Her symbolism drives every volunteer to give to
Each year, starting in November, We Care puts on several different fundraisers—starting with the Christmas Tree Auction, We Care Park, and then finishing with
12 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atKokomo.com
the We Care Telethon running the first full week of December. All the money that is raised is donated to several different organizations — The Salvation Army, the Kokomo Rescue Mission, Bona Vista and Goodfellows. To end the We Care fundraisers, Hope is the last thing to be auctioned
“Hope reminds us that we all need help sometimes and that we should always have hope.” - Becky Varnell, President
off during the telethon. Hope has been bought and returned by many businesses and families since 1986. With each year, her worth increases more as the friendly competition grows. The amount of love she has gained over the years represents all the kindness and offering the community has given back. We Care strives to continue their tradition and to be there for those in need, especially during Christmas time. Volunteers are needed for many different roles during the time of We Care—from answering phones during the telethon, organizing activities, managing the donations or working the We Care store. Anyone can be apart of We Care by volunteering or donating to the organization.
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Although We Care was formed before Hope came into the picture, it wasn’t long until she became the face of the local phenomenon. She represents hope for many people and families that are struggling, showing that there is always hope when there is kindness and people willing to help. Together, We Care and Hope work together to bring a brighter Christmas to thousands. We Care’s purpose for doing their charitable work is because “We care.”
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telethon, Bronson replied, “Because we care.” And that’s how the name was born. Varnell says that Buechler was called “We Care Jan” because she immersed herself in the cause.
Annual Telethon Returns to Spread Christmas Cheer in Kokomo
Though the organization didn’t officially become a 501(c)(3) until 1983, they received national recognition multiple times, starting in 1980 when We Care was featured on NBC’s “Today Show.”
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided
“They got a $1,000 donation from Engel Jewelers here in town and with that money they bought 172,000 jars of baby food, which they distributed to the community,” Varnell says.
The year was 1973, and Dick Bronson was a deejay at WWKI-FM when he fielded a call from a forlorn factory worker. Unemployed at the time, he didn’t know how he was going to swing Christmas for his kids that year. An empathetic Bronson offered the fellow half of whatever money was in his wallet, which was $20. The man was grateful, but the kind gesture didn’t stop there as listeners stepped up as well. By the time Bronson’s shift was complete, $1,000, plus toys, had been donated. Ultimately, the windfall benefitted not only the gentleman who called in but other Kokomo families in need as well.
An idea was born. The station held its first official 48-hour telethon in 1975 wherein community members and business owners donated toys and items to be bid upon and auctioned off. Jan Buechler helped coordinate, as did Charlie Cropper, a deejay on air with Bronson. Through the years, Bronson, Buechler, and Cropper all acted as presidents of We Care. Becky Varnell took over as president 11 years ago after Cropper’s passing. When asked why they wanted to hold the 14 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atKokomo.com
In 1981, the organization raised more than $100,000. Now they typically raise upwards of $400,000 each year. The telethon was first broadcast on television in 1982. Now it is broadcast simultaneously on the radio as it’s being shown on Comcast. In addition, several years ago they started live streaming to enable additional people to bid on items. In 1983, We Care received a letter from
President Reagan, commending the community’s efforts. Two years later, Congressman Elwood Haynes “Bud” Hillis, who was born in Kokomo and attended Kokomo public schools, presented We Care with their first of three presidential citation awards. In 1986, Bronson and Buechler traveled to the White House to participate in a ceremony at the Rose Garden. As the years passed, more and more people made donations. “It’s not unusual for us to get anywhere from 3,000 or more items per telethon,” Varnell says. They begin accepting donations at 10 a.m. on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and they spend the next week entering items into the computer, CLEARLY documenting and describing VERIFY ALL COPY FOR ACCURACY - INDICATE CORRECTIONS each one. That week the deejays come FAX RETURN 317.873.6867 Email: dewadvertise@aol.com 317.733.9554 to the backOffice of the building to interview
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people who are donating and want to share their stories. They receive all types of donations — everything from homemade Raggedy Ann dolls to motorhomes and cars. They receive handmade quilts and items made by schoolchildren such as bird houses. One commonality runs throughout them all: every donation has a story. “I make sure that all volunteers understand that when someone hands something to you to donate, they are giving it to you from the heart,” says Varnell, who explains that it’s not so much about the item itself as it is the meaning behind it. On-air deejays share the story that is attached to the item that explains the concept behind it, the love that was put into it and how it went from the initial thought to an item donated with love. “When you see a little kid come in who is clinging to something that they want to donate but really don’t want to part with, that’s sweet because their parents are trying to teach them the purpose of helping others,” Varnell says. “That, to me, is a precious thing to witness.”
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Born and raised in Kokomo, Varnell is now in her 41st year of working with the organization. She recalls that cookbooks, with favorite recipes gathered from different people in the community, have been a hot seller. One year they sold 10,000 cookbooks within 21 hours. “Jan organized that entire effort,” Varnell says. Then volunteers gathered at a warehouse and, page by page, pieced the cookbooks together. It takes more than 700 volunteers
to put on the annual telethon, which this year starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 6, and ends at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 8. Many are third-generation volunteers who used to help their grandparents and parents with We Care. “I think We Care exemplifies volunteerism at its best, when more than 700 individuals from every walk of life come together,” Varnell adds. “There are 26 department heads that schedule their volunteers, working together for one common goal.” Varnell likens the telethon to a big family
reunion as people gather who haven’t seen one another in a year. “We have doctors, businessmen and women, housewives, truck drivers, you name it,” Varnell says. “Some even take vacations so they are off work for the full 48 hours of the telethon.” Still, she stresses that they are always in search of younger folks to join the cause. “We need new blood to ensure this doesn’t die off in the community.”
We Care donates to five primary organizations: The Kokomo Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Goodfellows Bona Vista, Mental Health of Howard County, and Urban Out Reach. Each one helps the community in various ways. They tally the monies and give it away at a check presentation that is live on WWKI, then are back to a zero balance. They do, however, maintain the We Care Hope Fund for the purpose of providing long-term funding for the program. Varnell maintains that so often in the news
we hear of all the bad in a community — the crime, the corruption, the complaints. It’s the total opposite in the We Care community. “That’s what makes We Care so unique,” Varnell says. Perhaps the biggest change in the telethon through the years has been the lack of understanding behind what it’s all about. “Technology has taken over people’s lives, and the simplicity of what we’re doing is lost on them,” Varnell says.
That special feeling you get from volunteering isn’t something you can get from staring at a phone. “If you stay focused on your purpose for being here — that smiling child on Christmas morning who got a toy that she otherwise wouldn’t have — that’s what it’s all about,” Varnell says. When residents move away from Kokomo, they say they miss the camaraderie that surrounds We Care.
18 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atKokomo.com
“They tell us they feel a void in their life because nowhere else in the United States do you find something like this,” Varnell says. “Given that we’re in year 47, clearly We Care is something that mankind needs. We all need to feel needed so if we can give something to those in need and it fulfills our need, that’s a win-win.” For more information about We Care, visit them online at wecarekokomo. org or on Facebook at facebook.com/ WeCareKokomo.
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Sooner or Tater Former Teacher Donates Mr. Potato Head Collection to Children’s Museum Writer / Annelise Hanshaw Photography Provided
One Friday in 1995, Terry Moore went to Burger King for her weekly treat — a croissant and a coffee. This week, she noticed something different— a five-foot Mr. Potato Head figurine promoting a new movie called Toy Story as well as the new french fry recipe. Moore began picturing the large, smiling potato in her classroom at Howard Elementary and decided to ask if she could snag the display when the promotion was over. She knew it was an odd request, but it didn’t hurt to ask. A few weeks later, the manager called and said she could come pick up the Mr. Potato Head display. It was hard to miss the whimsical figurine in Moore’s classroom, and she used that to her advantage. She threw out the french fry box and put announcements, like due dates and reminders, in its space. Students, as well as staff, took notice. The evening custodian talked with Moore about the toy’s revival and began bringing her the kid’s meal toys from Burger King. His wife worked at Burger King’s business office and would grab the newest arrivals. All the little potato toys intrigued the kids. It became a big thing that stuck out about Moore’s classroom. Every once in a while, a student would add to the collection with a full-sized Mr. Potato Head toy or other Potato Head merchandise. It was a sweet way for students to show they cared. One shy student brought in a Cubs-themed Mr. Potato Head. Moore knew
he must be paying attention to remember she was a Cubs fan. Over 25 years, Moore accumulated more than 100 items in her collection. She received a Potato Head pillow, Potato Head robe, themed figures like the Elvis Potato Head and even a PotatoHead-shaped massager. Moore didn’t spend a dollar on the collection — it was all gifts. The collection built up on the shelves of Moore’s classrooms at Howard Elementary and Northwestern Elementary and was overflowing. When retirement seemed distant, she imagined she would give each child in her last class a Potato Head. But then, she thought they might end up in trash bins or thrift stores. Her friends said to sell the collection on eBay, but Moore would feel weird making a few bucks off students’ gifts. Moore wanted the collection to stay together. Its value was in the sheer number of things that comprise this assortment of Potato Heads. She decided The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis would be the best home. She began her email “To whom it may concern” and described the collection as well as she could. Andrea Hughes, the curator of the arts and humanities collections, wasn’t concerned but intrigued by the offer. After seeing a few pictures, Hughes offered to pick it up. But Moore said she secretly would love to drop off the Potato Heads for a chance to see the behind-the-scenes portion of the museum. Moore pictured a few rooms of unused displays, but she saw thousands of square feet that were meticulously organized. The tour was worth the donation, she says. Her friend and fellow teacher Jan Koloszar and her grandkids came for the tour. They helped pack up seven of the nine cases of Potato Heads after Moore fell and broke her arm taking down and cleaning the collection at school. The collection needed a good scrub, Moore says. Some pieces had as many as 15 years of grime caked on. She hopes the museum will get them out and spiff up the dirty figures. For now, the collection sits on the shelves in the illustrious storage rooms of The Children’s Museum. Hughes put a note on the cases
20 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atKokomo.com
to call Moore if the Potato Heads make the public floor. But Moore is content just having them in a good place. The original five-foot Potato Head from Burger King has faded over time. All that stands now is the facial features. Moore mounted them on the classroom board and accompanied the expression with quotes. Its time has passed, much like Moore’s time teaching. She’s now retired and loves being remembered, even for things like Mr. Potato Head. Moore’s time teaching lives on in the minds of her students as well as on the shelves of The Children’s Museum.
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PLUGGING IN
Popular Christmas Light Display Returns to We Care Park
Writer / Seth Johnson Photography Provided
Growing up, Mike Wyant was one of 16 children. While circumstances weren’t always ideal during the holiday season, he still remembers looking forward to Christmas. “Christmas with 16 children was still Christmas, even though we maybe only got one gift,” Wyant says. “When you don’t know any
better, it isn’t about gifts as far as Christmas is concerned.” Although they didn’t have much, Wyant and his family would put up a humble Christmas tree display. “My dad would always buy a tree,” Wyant recalls. “We’d nail two boards to it, put it up in the living room, and put some lights on it. We’d make stuff to put on it. It was an exciting time of the year for the children.” Now decades down the line, Wyant brings joy to countless Kokomo children with his elaborate Christmas light display at We Care Park. Featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” last year, We Care Park helps raise funds for We Care each year, which is a Kokomo nonprofit dedicated to helping the needy at Christmas. Considering his upbringing, Wyant explains that We Care is a cause that’s near and dear to his heart. In fact, he’s been involved with the nonprofit since it started. “I’ve been with this charity in Kokomo since the very first night 47 years ago,” Wyant says. “I was 27. They were on the radio in the
evening, and I was listening. This guy called in and said that his kids weren’t going to have Christmas.” Now, years later, We Care Park brings a smile to thousands of visiting children, while also raising money for the cause of We Care. “You don’t forget where you come from,” he says. “I’ve been blessed, and this is my way to bless the community.” Although already impressive in years past, Wyant says the 2019 installment of We Care Park will be even bigger and brighter. “I bought the current property with this intention,” Wyant says. “It started out with 63,000 lights, and we’re way over one million lights now. As a matter of fact, we’re adding 200,000 more this year, so it’s going to be pretty neat. Trust me.”
says. “We give out truckloads of toys.” While at We Care Park, families can even pose for their yearly Christmas photo. “We have so many opportunities out here for people to take family photos,” Wyant adds. “I have 200-year-old sleighs out there that they can get in and take photos.” In reflecting on where he’s come from, Wyant simply cherishes that he’s able to give back to those in need today.
In addition to the visual spectacle of We Care Park, Wyant also makes sure that every child who visits leaves with something special to take home.
“It’s just such an honor to do this,” he says. “I don’t want any pats on the back — that’s not why I do it.”
“Every child that comes in here under the age of 12 gets a toy,” Wyant
We Care Park is located at 2317 N. Lafountain St. in Kokomo. You can also call them at 765-432-7444 for more information.
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765-450-4443
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KOKOMO DECEMBER Events 1-13
6
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IU Kokomo Art Gallery; Exhibit continues through Dec. 13; Hours: Monday 10 a.m. – 2p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. & Saturday Noon-4 p.m.; Free admission; Visit www.iuk.edu/gallery.
Visit with Santa, make a woodcraft at Santa’s Workshop, take a horse-drawncarriage ride, and decorate cookies at this holiday extravaganza; Downtown Kokomo; 5:309:00 p.m.; Free, self-guided arts tour in the Downtown District; For a full list of activities, call 457-5301 or visit www.firstfridaykokomo.com.
A collaboration with the KSO, IU Kokomo, and local churches; IU Kokomo Havens Auditorium; 7 p.m.; For tickets, call 236-0251 or visit www.kokomosymphony. net.
Rural Photography Exhibition
1-25
First Friday “Home for the Holidays
7
We Care Park Holiday Light Display
Located at corner of Gano and Lafountain Streets in Kokomo; Open nightly starting at dusk through Christmas; Drive or walk through to see over 1 Million lights, animated light displays, and much more.
1-29
Rudolph Family Fun Run Starts and ends at Kokomo-Howard County Public Library; 9-11.30 am; visit www.khcpl.org
10
Music Jam (Open Mic)
Christmas at the Seiberling Holiday tours continue through Dec. 29; Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 1-4 p.m.; Admission $10 adults and $5 for students 18 & under; Call 4524314 or visit www.howardcountymuseum.org.
Hosted by the Southern Sounds Band featuring Country, Bluegrass, Gospel & more; Walnut Creek Community Center, 4600 Colter Dr.; 5-9 p.m.; Doors open at 4 p.m.; Free admission – donations appreciated; Held the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month.
COMMUNITY HOWARD HOSPITAL 1230 WEST JEFFERSON STREET (DRIVE THRU)
765-457-9530
28 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atKokomo.com
Kokomo Symphony Orchestra presents “Handel’s Messiah”
31
Kokomo New Year’s Eve Celebration
A collaboration with the KSO, IU Kokomo, and local churches; IU Kokomo Havens Auditorium; 7 p.m.; For tickets, call 236-0251 or visit www.kokomosymphony.net.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
DOWNTOWN KOKOMO 10:30-MIDNIGHT 10:30 MUSIC, LIGHT AND STAGE SHOW 11:00 LIGHTING OF THE BALL 11:59 KOKOMO HIGH SCHOOL TECHNOKATS LIGHTED BALL DROP SOLAR-POWERED BY GREEN ALTERNATIVES, INC. MIDNIGHT FIREWORKS
atKokomo.com / DECEMBER 2019 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 29
DECEMBER CROSSWORD PUZZLE Presented by Custom Moves Real Estate Services, LLC
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Proffered 5. Jest 7. A long time 8. Remarkable events 9. Refreshments booths 12. Pursued stealthily 15. Bewildered 19. Sponged 21. Swiftest 22. Open mouth wide 23. Poultry products 24. Calming drug
1. Appreciation 2. Brushes (off) 3. Cavorts 4. Straight 5. Wild African canine 6. Eventuated 10. Was obliged to pay 11. Ship’s spine 12. Lump of turf 13. Water 14. Door handle 15. Muslim temple 16. Dance nightclubs 17. Painters’ tripods 18. Stick (to) 19. Loved excessively, ... on 20. Prejudiced person
For the answers, visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/atKokomo
Merry Christmas! NICCI PERKINS May your home be filled with many Blessings this Christmas! ...Nicci
765-271-9088
nicci@custom-moves.com
www.custom-moves.com
“Welcome Home” 30 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atKokomo.com
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765-450-6584
Hawg Heaven Kokomo
wide selection of new comics, back issues, all ages books, trades, artist editions, mini figures, supplies & more
We buy Action Figures & Toy Collections Located on Geek Street 121 E. Sycamore 765.450.4126
Wed - Sat 11am-6pm
www.kokomocon.com