Our 2017 Toys for Tots drive is going well with the donation collection deadline of December 11th quickly approaching. Murphy Insurance has been a toy collection location in support of the Marines’ Toys for Tots program for many years. It’s a great way to help kids and families who need help.
When Dawn Penzone, Personal Insurance Supervisor in our Marlborough office, joined the Agency in 2013, we learned that Toys for Tots was a passion and major commitment for her family. So, it only made sense that we join forces. Dawn and her husband, Anthony, now coordinate the pick-up of toys donated at our locations and ensure they are received by the Marines for distribution.
But Dawn and Anthony’s commitment to Toys for Tots isn’t a small thing. It’s major and it’s impressive! Twenty years ago, they decided to do something personally to make a difference and started their own individual collection effort among family, friends and coworkers. What began as collecting a few hundred toys has morphed into a major undertaking. Now, the amass many thousands of toy donations each year, which requires many months of planning.
Dawn and her family put collection boxes in locations all around Hudson, Marlborough and other surrounding communities, which includes all of our Murphy Insurance offices. But even more impressive, they organize a gathering for extended family, friends and coworkers as a focal point for their annual efforts. What started as a small gathering has grown in to a major event involving a pot luck supper, raffles of donated gifts and more attended by hundreds of people including a number of Marines from the Worcester Area Chapter, who then transport the thousands of toys to the central distribution center. It’s an annual celebration of their efforts. Several of our Murphy Insurance staffers recently attended this fun evening!
Dawn was recently told that the Penzone’s individual collection effort is the largest in Worcester County and perhaps even the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts this year. What’s truly impressive is that over the 20 years, the value of the donations they’ve collected exceeds $900,000. Wow…imagine how many happier Christmas mornings have happened because of their efforts.
Kudos Dawn, Tony and family…you are true champions! Thank you to our staff, customers and community members who make donations to help our Toys for Tots drive a success. Murphy Insurance is pleased to have joined with the Penzone’s in their effort, and if you’d like to help too, there’s still time! Please drop off toy donations at any Murphy Insurance office by December 11th.
Happy Holidays!