Monett Times: Local News: Linn Thornton's Christmas campaign continues (12/17/10)

EFCO Corporation in Monett presented toys from its annual employee toy drive today to Linn Thornton for his Christmas distribution to needy families. Katrina Trout, EFCO senior human relations business partner, at left, also presented Thornton and his wife, Anna, seated at center, a check for $1,000 to help with Thornton's Christmas day dinner. Thornton said the toys from EFCO and remaining donations from the Jaycees Toys for Tots drive should put his efforts "over the top" for this year. He had provided for more than 200 families by today and expected to top 300 families by Christmas. EFCO also adopted 32 families in the Monett R-1 School District for the holiday, helping 115 people total. The families represented 63 from Monett Elementary School, 19 from Monett Intermediate School and 33 from Central Park Elementary. [Times Photo by Murray Bishoff]

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Linn Thornton had packed toys for 150 families by midweek, about halfway through his annual odyssey distributing Christmas gifts to needy families in the Monett area. Thornton reported his efforts were picking up steam as the big day draws nearer.

"Sunday we packed out 52 families. We're busier than busy," said Thornton, who started his vacation on Thursday so he could devote himself full-time to the effort.

Various organizations are pitching in support for Thornton's campaign. The Jaycees' Toys for Tots drive is presently underway. The Ladies Auxiliary for Tom Wolfe Memorial VFW Post #4207, held a toy drive as well. International Dehydrated Foods sponsored a toy drive this year, and today Thornton picked up donations made by employees at EFCO Corporation.

Thornton's efforts, including his Christmas day dinner, are receiving financial support from the Barry-Lawrence Area United Fund, Architectural Systems and Thornton's church. The culinary arts class at the Southwest Area Career Center will again prepare rolls and other goodies for the dinner.

Calls from families seeking help have been coming in from a wide area, Thornton reported.

"The need is widespread," Thornton said. "It's quite a project to get it all done. Everything is going good."

Thornton expects to distribute toys to more than 300 families and have food for over 1,000 on Christmas day. Donations of food are still being accepted. Volunteers for the dinner are asked to come to the American Legion Home at 715 E. Broadway on Dec. 25 and volunteer as they have time.

For more information, call Thornton at 236-0222.