SHERRODSVILLE, Ohio — Robert Stratton is a Marine veteran who served six years as a tank commander.
Now in his 80's, he organizes the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots in Sherrodsville.
What You Need To Know
- Robert Stratton is the local coordinator for Toys for Tots in Tuscarawas County
- Stratton's garage that housed the toys was destroyed in a fire
- The community has helped replace the toys through donations
"It's my Christmas. And if I can make 3,000 kids happy for Christmas it's very worthwhile," said Stratton.
Stratton collects toys each year for the organization and stores them in his garage.
But a devastating fire destroyed his garage this week along with $8,000 worth of toys inside.
"It started on the roof and the wind was probably 40 miles an hour right then. And it just went fast," said Stratton.
When news of the fire spread, the community jumped into action.
"The community has really been active and really helped us out. It's amazing. God works in mysterious ways," said Stratton.
Calvary United Methodist Church also helped out giving Stratton a place to store all of the donated toys.
"We have the whole basement, Pattie's room, full of toys," said Stratton.
Another Toys for Tots location is sending a truck of toys to help out as well. And a business is also lending a hand.
"If you're in the New Philadelphia area and you donate a toy to Simpson Heating and Cooling they double it. They match it," said Stratton.
At the same location is Stratton's business, Lincolns and Things, which was also destroyed in the fire.
He plans to rebuild.
Still, despite the losses, Stratton hasn't lost his spirit.
"Marines don't go back. Marines always go forward. So we've gotta go forward," said Stratton.
There are two ways to donate a toy: You can drop a donation off directly to Calvary United Methodist Church, 328 S. Church Street, Sherrodsville, OH 44675. You can also send a check to: Toys for Tots, Box 113, Sherrodsville, OH 44675.