b'CHARITY OF THE MONTHazrusticweddings.com Your own personal WeddingThe W. Steven Martin Coordinator handles EVERYTHING911 Support Programfrom start to finish, and will be there the day of the wedding as well! T hroughout his career, two-time CMA Broadcastwith carloads of toys and gifts and pledged to return Personality of the Year, W. Steven Martin, a Nebraskaeach year.And so began the W. Steven Martin Police native and long-time Valley of the Sun morning driveToy Drive.Only with this coupon! presence, worked tirelessly to raise money for local and $600 OFF!!! national charities.His reputation for giving back to theOver the years, the program has expanded to includeDrive by having their members donate toys in lieucommunity frequently resulted in individuals and faith-basedtoys for firefighters to distribute when a family is groups reaching out during the holidays, seeking assistanceburned out or another tragedy has struck, and toys for to provide for families that would otherwise go without food,members of the military too.But the biggest annual event warm clothing, or toys during the holidays.W would callis the Police Toy Giveaway Day.Each year, hundreds ofof gift exchanges. Any wedding of 100 guest or more untilupon his vast network of friends and businesses to attemptofficers from across Arizona participate.Many of the to help those who took the time to send a letter outliningofficers have returned year after year since 1989. They haveThe W. Steven Martin Police Toy Drive Foundation is December 31st, 2019. the particular situation.However, vetting the requests wascome to look forward to seeing one another at this joyousa 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and has no payroll simply not possible, due to the high demand and deliveringevent and to share stories. expenses. Their staff is comprised of all volunteers with the holiday boxes took up nearly every waking hour inmany opportunities to participate.Monetary contributions December taking time away from his family. The 911 Toy Drive Program serves Law Enforcement, Fire,are tax-deductible and are used to purchase items needed Public Safety Officials, and Corrections Officers. There is noto fill in donation gaps. The Toy Drive accepts new, Then, in December of 1988, W received a call from a youngsign-up for the public; the recipients are selected by Publicunwrapped toys and gifts for children 0-15 years of age, woman, Toni, asking for toys.Toni Hawks husband, TempeSafety personnel based upon any direct contact or lawand emphasizes the need for gifts for older kids, things like Police Officer Robert Hawk, had committed to adoptingenforcement encounter where needs are discovered. sports equipment, remote-controlled cars, purses, make-up, three families for Christmas.But on September 24th ofand craft kits. Teen and pre-teen boys and girls are the most that year, Officer Hawk was killed in the line of duty by aOver the last 30+ years, more than 6 million gifts havevulnerable to crime, unrest, and gang activity. An officer at hit-and-run driver.Toni was determined to fulfill Robertsbeen given away to over a million children through thetheir door with gifts and personal items is an incredible and promise to those families, despite dealing with her ownhands of Police, Fire, and 911 Emergency Services. Theylifelong positive image that those in need never forget! grief and now raising two small children on her own. have changed young lives and family opinions in positive ways, one house at a time, and that includes some peopleOther 911 support Programs include Critical Incident Assistance, Where theWhen W heard her story, he told Toni to meet him thatin uniform. Gifts are provided throughout the yearnotconstruction, and maintenance of Fallen Officer Memorials, Fallen evening at his home where he had a good supply of toysjust at Christmasat no charge to the officer or family toHeroes flags for services, Roadside Crosses honoring officers killed Pavement Ends andstored in the garage.When she arrived, Officer Hawksimprove the way children that are in need or danger seein the line of duty, the Bentley SquadK-9 Therapy Program, the West begins! entire squad, in uniform, accompanied her.As theymen and women in uniforms. The toys provide a tiny in- Adopt A Highway and National Police Week Support in both walked around the garage, selecting the perfect toys for theroad for officers to show their compassion for the childrenArizona and Washington D.C annually in May.SHOPS OPEN children, W and his wife Susie had their a-ha moment. caught in situations, not of their own making.Their work is funded through contributions from businesses and Why not invite police officers to adopt families they haveindividuals. As you consider your end of year giving please consider DAILY! encountered through their duties?The officers would knowAn undertaking like this is only possible with communityjoining them in support of the men and women of public safety the needs, they would be able to deliver the toys to the kidssupport. All Valley Chevy Dealers have partnered withwho serve our communities. in their beats, and the children and their families wouldthe WSM 911 Toy Drive by providing drop-off locations potentially develop a greater appreciation for the police andwhere individuals can conveniently donate toys. With911 Support Programs are part of the W. Steven Martin Police Toy all they do to help those in our community. an average of 140,000 toys going out each year thisDrive Foundation, Inc., and are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity.collaboration is invaluable. There is also another 100 Beginning in early 1989, W worked tirelessly to get sponsorslocations valley wide including Arizona Bank and Trust on board, find a warehouse, and begin to collect toys.Hebranches.If you purchase something through AmazonFor more information please Derek James Photography reached out to community leaders, local public officials,Smile a portion of your purchase will be donated to thego to 911toydrive.com or Police Chiefs, and Sheriffs.A plan was put in place. In thetoy drive if you designate them as your beneficiary. In early morning hours of a late December morning, hundredsthe past many civic groups, small businesses and evenFacebook/W. Steven Martin of officers stood in line to shop for toys. They each leftindividual families have supported the WSM 911 Toy For more information: 480-488-9129frontiertownaz.com ArizonaRealCountry.com December 2019 17'