Stuart, Florida

December 22, 2007

The Miracle on 10th Street that brought the Community together!

On Saturday, December 22, 2007, beginning at 9:00 a.m. the Martin County Chapter of the NAACP brought Christmas a little early to the children and families of the neighborhood surrounding the 10th Street Recreation Center in Stuart, Florida. With the cooperation of the Christian Business Fellowship of Martin County, over 400 toys were distributed to dozens and dozens of smiling faces.

The 2nd Annual Toy Drive was held in commemoration of Arnold Stanberry, former President of the Martin County Chapter of the NAACP. This year, the event was blessed by the assistance of the Florida D.A.R.E. Officer's Association, the Florida Resource Officer's Association and the Martin County Sheriff's Department.

The event began at 9:00 a.m. with the "unloading" of the D.A.R.E. trailer that had housed the 400 or so toys that were donated by the "Toys from Cops" Program. Volunteers from the Sheriff's Department, NAACP, and the Christian Business Fellowship of Martin County and their families busily readied the Recreation Center to prepare for "Santa's" arrival.

The volunteers were just as excited as the children as all enjoyed a light breakfast, and prepared to hear the morning's speakers. Deputy Sheriff Larry Stripling, the President of the Florida D.A.R.E. Association spoke on behalf of the Sheriff's, School Resource Officers, and D.A.R.E. as well as his Lieutenant Morgan Sprott, expressed that they were grateful for this opportunity to become involved with such a meaningful event.

Following Deputy Stripling, the audience was afforded a rare treat as Gloretta H. Hall, Attorney, addressed the children in the group with an extremely inspirational message of hope and perseverance. Ms. Hall, is a lifelong member of the NAACP, and is a Partner at the Gary, Williams, Parenti, Finney, Lewis, McManus, Watson & Sperando, P.L. firm in Stuart.

Following Ms. Hall, Pastor Darrell Orman, from First Baptist Church in Stuart, shared an exceptionally educational message of the meaning of Christmas with the children. His message included interacting with the children and concluded with a "science experiment" to illustrate his point. It will not be too soon that all in attendance will forget this wonderful example!

After a few Christmas Carols, Santa arrived!

Each child was presented an opportunity to sit with Santa, was presented a "beanie-baby" and a candy cane. As they left Santa's lap, your heart could not be more full from the joy on so many little faces! Just as each child thought that the small toy was their gift.....Santa's elves [helped out by the Martin County School Resource Officers and the Christian Business Fellowship of Martin County] each child was given a "bigger" gift! Grins abounded!

As each child was then presented batteries if necessary, joy would flood the 10th Street Recreation Center! Following Santa, the event was concluded with a performance by the "Praise Dancers" Brianna, and Christie. Their choice in music and their angelic movements, made for very few "dry-eyes" in the Center.

Our special thanks to; the Florida D.A.R.E. Officer's Association, the City of Stuart Parks and Recreation Department, Vicki Davis, Supervisor of Elections and Mike Leach from Stuart Rubber Stamp and Sign Co. Inc., for helping us collect and distribute the gifts. Further thanks to Florida House of Representatives, Representative William D. Snyder [District 82] and the many volunteers that helped present, distribute, and clean up. Mr. Daryl Speaks and the Martin County NAACP promotes "Unity in the Community" and encourages you to get involved to help us proactively effect our community with events such as this, or to become a Mentor. For more information, please contact:

Daryl Speaks, President NAACP of Martin County
P.O Box 41
Stuart FL 34995
naacpmc@hotmail.com
1-561-856-9798
Unity in the Community

John Demaree ~ Christian Business Fellowship of Martin County Coordinator
772 286 6972
jdemaree@ftak.com

Deputy Sheriff Larry Stripling

Harleyst1@comcast.net

www.fdoa.net

Florida Association of School Resource Officers

www.fasro.com

Martin County Sheriff's Office Media Relations

Rhonda Irons - (772) 320-4736
riron s@sheriff.martin.fl.us

D.A.R.E. America Regional Director [for Florida]

John Lindsay

john.lindsay@dare.com

www.dare.com

310-433-5450