The entrance to the Geauga Family YMCA on Bass Lake Road in Munson Township became a sparkling toy land just days before Santa and his reindeer’s magical journey left the North Pole.
The entrance to the Geauga Family YMCA on Bass Lake Road in Munson Township became a sparkling toy land just days before Santa and his reindeer’s magical journey left the North Pole.
There is jubilation in brightening others’ lives this holiday season thanks to generous donations from the Geauga community to the Toys for Tots program for less-fortunate children.
“This is phenomenal,” said Timothy Sherman, Toys for Tots coordinator for Lake and Geauga counties. “Seeing all these toys here coming in this morning from Geauga County is great because we know that we are going to be able to give so many children Christmas smiles on Christmas morning.”
The Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program began in 1947.
Its Foundation, a not-for-profit charity, was established in 1991 to help run the program led by veterans.
Sherman joined the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school in 1990 as a combat engineer.
“During my service, I participated in the first Gulf War and several humanitarian efforts,” Sherman said. “Serving as a marine has been an honor and has significantly shaped who I am today.”
This year, thanks to the positive impact and efforts of veterans, Toys for Tots served more than 20,000 children across Lake and Geauga counties, he said.
“In Geauga County alone, we’re serving over 334 families this year, which amounts to approximately 1,400 children,” Sherman said. “Sharing their smiles and the impact of this program means the world to us.”
In Geauga County, there are about 15 drop-off locations for donation of new toys, with Geauga YMCA being the largest.
“We strive to make our program accessible to all who need it,” Sherman said.
Geauga Family YMCA Executive Director Ben Altemus joined Deborah Drenik, YMCA member services representative, to help load the gifts onto Sherman’s van.
“Since I was little, my mother always taught me the importance of doing things for the less fortunate,” Drenik said. “We volunteered at Mary Mavec school, in Euclid, for developmentally-disabled children, doing crafts weekly. We collected food for food banks and always donated to the Salvation Army and many more things. I’m happiest when I’m doing something for others.”
Sherman got involved with Toys for Tots in 2007 when he was asked to help, and in 2008, became the area’s coordinator after his mentors retired.
“Their teachings and systems are still being used today and it’s due to their guidance that the campaign has continued successfully in my hands for the past 15 years,” Sherman said. “That first year, experiencing the joy of ensuring no child was left without a gift on Christmas morning was incredibly rewarding. Spreading joy is one of the best feelings because we know we’ve done our best as Americans to take care of children during the Christmas season. As a marine, it’s important to me to continue serving and protecting our citizens in any way I can.”
While the program grew every year for a while, they’ve recently seen a bit of a decline, Sherman said.
“I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing because a decrease in the number of families needing assistance might indicate that the economy is improving and people are able to care for themselves during the holidays,” Sherman said.
He highlighted the work of his volunteers and family behind the scenes — those who pack the bags and ensure everything is ready for distribution.
“I simply pick up the toys and coordinate the rest of the program, but it’s their hard work, commitment and heart that make it all happen,” Sherman said. “I also want to express my deep gratitude to the incredible businesses across Lake and Geauga counties that support Toys for Tots. Many of these businesses generously host toy collection boxes, donate directly and encourage their employees and customers to contribute. Their partnership and dedication are vital to the success of our program.”
Sherman also thanked all the donors.
“They’re the reason we’ve been able to serve so many children over the years,” Sherman said. “Without them, Christmas would look very different for a lot of families. On behalf of myself, my volunteers, my family and the children we serve, I can’t thank them enough. We couldn’t have done it without the community and people like the YMCA and businesses in Lake and Geauga counties. Thank you.”
If there are families in need who didn’t reach out this year, Sherman asks them to contact Toys for Tots for assistance.
“We hope to assist them in the future when we’re aware of their situation,” Sherman said.
A 2025 Toys for Tots Golf Outing is scheduled for June 2025.
“Please join us for a round of golf to help us bring Christmas smiles to many children,” Sherman said.
ROSE NEMUNAITI/KMG
2558- Timothy Sherman, Toys for Tots Coordinator for Lake County and Geauga County loads boxes of toys donated at Geauga Family YMCA to be delivered to less-fortunate children across Geauga County.
2555- Geauga Family YMCA Executive Director Ben Altemus collects toys for delivery that were generously donated by the community this holiday season for Toys for Tots program.
2548, 2549- (left to right) – Geauga Family YMCA’s Deborah Drenik, Toys for Tots Coordinator Timothy Sherman and Geauga Family YMCA Executive Director Ben Altemus slide some fun into the collection of toys days before Christmas.
2563- Geauga Family YMCA Executive Director Ben Altemus helps Toys for Tots Coordinator Timothy Sherman load boxes of toys to be gifted to Geauga County children thanks to the generous donations of YMCA community.
