Jan 11, 2019 3 min read

WAYNESBURG – John “Buzz” Walters celebrated another successful Toys for Tots event last month that helped more than 700 children enjoy Christmas thanks to the support of countless volunteers, but he also lamented the absence of his two closest confidants in the annual toy drive.

Walters, the commandant of the Tri-County Leathernecks, led the toy drive this year after the only other remaining member, Dick Saxby, left the area to live with family in Ohio while undergoing medical treatment there. Murray Williams, his other closest friend and confidant, died in March 2017 at age 93.

“They were hard to replace,” said Walters, a Korean War-era Marine. “I considered them to be friends and USMC brothers.”

But numerous other volunteers stepped up once again for the 36th annual toy donation drive, Walters said, as they have for many years to organize the Dec. 15 toy distribution at four locations across Greene County to supply 730 children in need with Christmas presents during the holiday.

“It was highly successful thanks to the site managers and volunteers,” Walters said.

He pointed to the generosity of Tom Hollowood, who donated 100 bicycles this year. Hollowood has donated more than 1,000 bikes over the years, Walters said.

“He buys them, puts them together and delivers to all sites,” Walters said.

Roy and Shirley Negley worked at the Greene County Fairgrounds and helped to organize the annual fundraising dinner held Nov. 3 at the Waynesburg Moose Lodge. Teresa Walters, and her daughter, Laura, distributed toys at Carmichaels American Legion while Toni Cline worked at Bobtown Fire Hall’s distribution location. Linda Pelkey, who had helped Saxby over the years at St. Thomas Church in Clarksville, returned to that location again to help during last month’s distribution date. Walters also thanked volunteers Skip Black and his brother, Bruce, Bill Winters, Diane Williams, Carolyn Wiley, Chuck Zahr, Donald Humbert and John Baily.

Walters also said Michael Pallesco, who is the coordinator for the Toys for Tots drive in Washington County, has been integral in helping with the drive in Greene County. Even without Williams and Saxby around, Walters is planning to continue the annual drive with the help of the various volunteers.

“Many are old friends of the toys program. They are the same ones (helping out) every year,” Walters said. “The kindness, generosity of many good hearted Greene County people who volunteered when needed. Thanks to their efforts, there will be plenty of kids who had a Merry Christmas.”