Dale Hansen

The annual Toog’s Toys for Kids found a new home this year at the United Methodist Church in Munising. Through the efforts of Nancy Phillipson, Toni Denman, and Kim Swanberg, children received toys and much needed warm mittens and hats. Working with the Marine Corps. League #550, the move to the local church helped to ensure that the donation and toys remained local, with gifts going to area children.

Rod Killips, the Commandant of #550, credits the success of the event to the stores and people of the area. “People in the community are very generous,” he said. He and Don Graves set out 14 barrels for donations back before Thanksgiving. They collected unwrapped toys and cash donations, investing over $4,000 locally into toys, supplies and local food banks to help children who otherwise might not have had a Christmas to celebrate.

On Saturday December 16th, 2023 they held a Christmas party where they handed out a mountain of toys, hundreds of cookies and gallons of hot chocolate during the party. Of course Santa was there to oversee the festivities.

The Marine Corps. League #550 raises money throughout the year for veterans and local charities and performs a variety of community service. “Toogs” is named after George “Toogs” St. Martin, a local veteran of WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War.

This organization has been collecting toys for underprivileged children for more than 20 years, but this is the first time they have partnered with a local church.