First-grader isn’t toying around with collecting
A special visitor stops by to help Colby Jeffrey and his mother, Kristin Bergman.
Colby Jeffrey carries a souped-up car to his father’s truck for safekeeping.
Alex Martin, left, assists his baseball teammate, Colby Jeffrey, by donating to Colby’s collection for Toys for Tots.
Many youngsters play with trucks. Colby Jeffrey filled one Saturday.
Colby, a first-grader, came up with a first-class idea for the Toys for Tots campaign at his school. This child’s brainchild was to stuff his father’s box truck with donated gifts.
“I did this because other kids don’t have toys,” said Colby, 6, a student at Trinity East Elementary. “So, I’m trying to fill it with 600 toys.”
Actually, he probably exceeded that goal by the time Colby, his family and friends – and even Santa – were done gathering gifts in Meadow Lands Saturday evening.
From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., people showed the presence of mind to bring presents. Many drove into the lot of Timberwood Grille & Pub, where the truck was parked, handing a package to Colby or his parents, Kristin Bergman and Craig Jeffrey of South Strabane Township.
Some pulled to the shoulder of Pike Street, where Santa and three adult helpers waved to passing commuters, and handed them physical gifts or money. Donaldson Supply Co. of Canonsburg gave $200, the largest cash donation.
“The money will go for toys as well,” Kristin said.
Some commuters, realizing what was transpiring, drove to Family Dollar in Canonsburg, then returned with gifts. Others tapped their horns in acknowledgment and approval, truckers blaring them in a friendly fashion.
Even Washington County Commissioner Harlan Shober, from nearby Chartiers Township, stopped and handed a gift to Colby.
Colby and his parents got a lot of on-site support Saturday, including Colby’s grandmother, Chris Jankowski of Meadow Lands, a cafeteria employee in the Chartiers-Houston School District, and aunt, Jamie Bobik, a special education teacher in McGuffey.
“We put all hands on deck for this,” said Kristin, who is self-employed along with her husband.
Colby, his blond hair covered mostly by a Santa hat, said he came up with the concept recently. Team Colby was formed and went into action, initiating a Facebook blitz, contacting media outlets and relying on old-fashioned word of mouth about the event.
“I’m proud of him for coming up with this idea,” his father said.
This was not an instant inspiration. Kristin said Colby’s generous spirit was evident “since he could first talk.”
“He is a very giving child,” she continued. “He has given some of his toys to friends who didn’t have as many. Not a lot of 6-year-olds will say, ‘Let’s get a bunch of toys for kids.'”
About a month ago, when temperatures began to plummet, Kristin said Colby donated coats to City Mission, which supports the homeless, poor and needy.
She praised the owners of Timberwood, spouses Troy and Andrea Martin, for allowing her family to do this on the lot of the restaurant, which was closed during much of the collection. Kristin was a waitress there about a decade ago.
This was a good venue, near the Meadow Lands exit of Interstate 79 and just off Pike, a busy artery.
Colby’s initiative has not ended. His mother said donations are due Tuesday at the school, so the family can still collect. Kristin said anyone still wishing to give should contact her at djskittle213@yahoo.com, and she will pick up items.
She said her family previously collected for Toys for Tots, but had “never done anything like this.”
They may have started a tradition.