Ellenton's Colony Cove residents aid Marines by digging deep for Toys for Tots drive

Colony Cove residents donated 15 bikes for the Toys for Tots drive.
Photos provided by Vickie Cochran and Isabel Jaekel 

A little Christmas elf -- well actually it was Vickie Cochran -- told us that Colony Cove residents came through in a big way with their Toys For Tots drive on Dec 7.

"Sponsored by the New England Club this year, Santa's little helpers, collected over 800 toys including 15 various sizes of bicycles.  Also, the business community along U.S. 301 participated with boxes and also donated several toys for our drive," Vickie said.

Colony Cove residents collected $1,000 which will be used in Manatee County  for special needs kids.  The  money will help pay for  adjusting toys in a way that children with special needs will be able to ride or play with them.

Colony Cove residents started their evening with a spaghetti and meatball dinner, made by Fred and Carol Roselli.  Many volunteers helped out with serving more than 200 meals.

After dinner, residents got into their golf carts and drove through the community in their Christmas attire to pick up toys. The Marines came with their truck and collected the toys.

"All the residents involved hope that this will put a smile on a child's face come Christmas morning.  We all enjoyed being Santa.  Next year we hope the drive will be even bigger and better.  Thank you to all involved," Vickie Cochran said.

Spaghetti dinner for Colony Cove residents, and a ton of toys for kids..
Photos provided by Vickie Cochran and Isabel Jaekel 

Spaghetti dinner for Colony Cove residents, and a ton of toys for kids..
Photos provided by Vickie Cochran and Isabel Jaekel