Toy collection shines
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
WOODSTOCK — In its 20th year, the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association’s toy collection was off the charts.
The group collected more than 2,000 toys and about $4,400 with more coming in. Chair Russ Downer said he expects the monetary donations to come in close to $5,000.
The total collected over the years, though, is impressive. Downer, who is also president of the association, estimated that in 20 years they’ve collected more than 50,000 toys and more than $150,000 in donations.
The toys and donations are split between three organizations.
None of it happens without an outpouring of help, he said. “This event survives because of our local community business and people.” This year he gave a shout out to Linemaster Switch which comes in with a truck load of donations ever year. Woodstock Grill delivered pizza. 
Downer said each year, a woman calls before Amazon Prime Day and asks what toys they might like. The toys are delivered directly to the firehouse and firefighters put them aside until the big collection day.
The Community fire department in Thompson, plus the Muddy Brook and Bungay departments in Woodstock, also help. This year, he said help also came in the form of Tourtellotte Memorial High School students. Plus, traditionally the Woodstock football team helps.
“We all look forward to this every year,” Downer said.

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Members of the WVFA and helpers with some of the 2,000+ toys collected. Photo courtesy of Diane Odorski.