Manatee and Sarasota County have been actively involved in Toys for Tots for over twenty years.

Early in July, 2008, it was decided that Sarasota should become a separate coordinator because of the growing demands of the community.

Through the efforts of Sandy Lacey and Jim Lamb, an active member of Elks Lodge 2495, they were able to obtain official certification through the National Organization of Toys for Tots so that the Elks Lodge could serve as a qualified coordination center.

Jim was required to take an intensive three day training session in Washington, D.C. and required to pass stringent tests in order to qualify the Elks Lodge 2495 as a center.

After passing all the tests and processing all the paperwork, Sandy and Jim were faced with the daunting task of building the Sarasota Toys for Tots organization from scratch. They started at ground zero – no toys, no financial assistance, no storage area and no established network of volunteer workers.

The dedicated volunteers have taken on the responsibilities of data processing; bookkeeping; coordination of drop off boxes; coordination of pick up boxes; cataloging toys for distribution; advertising; and development of an Internet site. Additionally, individuals are assigned to monitor special events when a marine is required to be present.

All of this could not have been done without the assistance of the members of Elks Lodge 2495. They have donated funds to purchase tables to organize the toys; costs for a website; and start up supplies.

All of these efforts guarantee there WILL be a Christmas for those children in need.