By SALINA POST
The Christmas spirit was alive and thriving this weekend as the 99 KG Shane McClintock TOYATHON returned to Salina with a mission: collecting 2,500 toys in 25 hours for local children and area agencies. Thanks to an incredible outpouring of community support, the 2024 TOYATHON was a resounding success, gathering 3,312 new, unwrapped toys.
The TOYATHON was held at Salina Walmart, 2900 South Ninth Street, and ran continuously until noon on Sunday. The event kicked off at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The countdown began shortly after McClintock and his team pitched a tent outside Walmart’s pharmacy entrance on Saturday morning. They camped out for 25 hours straight, collecting donations. Every toy received was loaded into a Doug Bradley Trucking semi-sleigh, ready for distribution.
The 25-hour countdown ended at noon on Sunday.
SPD Captains James Feldman, Mike Miller, David Villianueva, Officer Allyeson Arnold and Saline County Sheriff's Deputy Robert Little helped collect toys as part of the TOYATHON.
"It's always a fun time getting to interact with the community at events like this," said SPD Captain James Feldman. "It's nice for the residents to see law enforcement in a different light. Many shoppers stopped and spoke with us and thanked us for being there."
Partner agencies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, CAPS, Salvation Army, Ashby House, DVAC, and others received the toys earlier today.
"It is a blessing for all of the families that we serve. There are a lot of families that are struggling this year with everything going on, and to be able just to come to a safe space and pick out gifts for kids and to know that they're going to get something to open for Christmas is it's just priceless," said Salina Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Amanda Otto. "We're very blessed to partner with not only Shane but also 99KG. It [99KG] serves as a conduit to the community for all of these wonderful things that I think many of us take for granted this time of year."
Follow 99KG's social media for further updates and other station promotions here.