12/28/2025
I wanted to share the below email I received because of all of you wonderful NRB area residents and friends ! Thank you! Look forward to next year!
Dear Friends and Partners,
On behalf of the Pinellas County Toys for Tots program, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Because of your generosity, time, space, creativity, and commitment, more than 9,500 children in Pinellas County woke up Christmas morning with a smile, knowing that someone in their community cared enough to make sure they were not forgotten. That impact cannot be measured in numbers alone — it is measured in joy, relief, and hope.
Toys for Tots began in 1947 as a simple idea by the United States Marine Corps Reserve: to ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, could experience the magic of Christmas. Since then, it has grown into a national mission — but at its core, it has always depended on local communities stepping up quietly and selflessly to take care of their own.
That is where you come in.
The goal of Toys for Tots has never been recognition. Our role is to work behind the scenes, supporting the incredible businesses, schools, organizations, and event hosts who open their doors, rally their teams, and inspire generosity. You are the face of this mission, and the reason it succeeds year after year.
Whether you hosted a toy drive, placed a collection box, organized an event, or simply encouraged others to give — you played a direct role in creating moments of happiness that families will remember forever.
Thank you for believing in this mission.
Thank you for showing what community truly means.
Thank you for helping us ensure that Christmas morning was filled with hope.
We would be honored to work alongside you again in the future and continue this tradition of quiet service and meaningful impact together.
With sincere gratitude,
Ed Zaleski
Pinellas County Toys for Tots Coordinator
United States Marine Corps Retireduaw
