The gift of the Unicorn, successful toy drive
Ben Apo, VFW Post 3622 Commander with a stuffed unicorn that was donated to the VFW and American Legion Toy Drive.
(Photo by: EMILY BONSANT)
BONNERS FERRY — Organizers thanked the community and a generous donor for their support of the toy drive.
“The community really stepped up. We had more than enough gifts to give to kids this Christmas,” Ben Apo, VFW Post 3622 commander, said. “We can’t thank the community enough.”
On Christmas Eve, Apo was contacted that a gentleman had donated a stuffed unicorn at Columbia Bank for the toy drive. Apo, through the help of a contact, was able to find two little girls that loved unicorns.
When the gentleman found out there was another girl that loved unicorns, he turned around and bought a second stuffed unicorn, Apo said, adding the man went above and beyond for these girls.
The first ever Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3622 and American Legion Post 55 Toy Drive was a major success this year. The toys were then distributed by Santa at the Celebration of Craft at the Boundary County Fairgrounds the first weekend in December.
Toy drive boxes were located at Columbia Bank and P1FCU starting in mid-October. Apo said he was concerned two weeks before the distribution of gifts, because the boxes were empty. Organizers had money set aside to purchase gifts as well. He and other organizers were amazed by the community turnout and support.
“We probably had enough toys for 200 kids, but only 50 kids at the Craft Fair,” he said.
The toys will be saved for next year and incase of a family disaster or damage to a resident.