Connecticut donates toys to needy children

The Connecticut B.A.S.S. Nation hosted its seventh annual Toys for Tots drive.

WALLINGFORD, Conn. — The Connecticut B.A.S.S. Nation collected a “boatful” of toys for local children in need through its annual Toys for Tots drive.

The Mohawk Valley BassCasters club has hosted this toy drive for seven consecutive years. Santa Claus and U.S. Marines were in attendance for the drive, and the donated toys were loaded into a bass boat in front of the Wal-Mart where the drive was held.

“We dressed as elves, decorated our boats and collected as many toys for the kids as we could,” said Armand Fortier of the Connecticut B.A.S.S. Nation.

Wal-Mart of Wallingford gave the chapter a $1,000 grant to buy toys, and members of the Connecticut B.A.S.S. Nation donated cash to purchase additional toys. In addition, Ron Frisk and American Customer Care donated books to contribute, and Shears Delite of Bristol and Fahrenheit Mechanical made donations as well.

“We are very proud of what we can do for the kids,” continued Fortier, “and we look forward to it every year.”

See photos of the event here.