CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – With an abundance of donations received by the community, a New Bethlehem couple’s efforts to unite Clarion County during the holiday season evidently proved to be rewarding.
(Photo: Sargeant Scott Bauer takes some time to talk to a young boy about the event.)
Toys for Tots — spearheaded by former marine Frank Sonner and his fiancee Misty Bracken, with the help of PCO (Police Communication Operator) Debbie Howell-Rainey — was a huge success on Sunday afternoon at the Clarion State Police barracks.
Event organizers Frank Sonner, Misty Bracken, and PCO Debbie Howell-Rainey
Howell-Rainey also organized the Sunday afternoon “Meet Your Local Heroes” event in which the community was invited to meet the Clarion County individuals who help keep the community safe.
Many local heroes were at the event to greet the public, answer questions, and show their support for Clarion County community.
There are many people involved in Toys for Tots, and with the help of volunteers and donations, the organization was able to provide families who have unfortunate circumstances a chance to enjoy their holiday.
Frank and Misty’s mission was accomplished as their goal was to make sure that every family that registers for Toys for Tots receives gifts for their children.
Misty told exploreClarion.com, “This gave us an opportunity to make the holiday stay magical for many children. We all have an inner child in us, and who doesn’t like receiving gifts?!”
Organizers Frank Sonner, CPO Debbie Howell-Rainey, and far right Misty Bracken with friend Rich Jordan, of Lower Burrell, Pa. (second from right).
“This was Rich’s first time experiencing what we have tried to do to bring our communities together. Rich wanted to get a first-hand look at what Toys for Tots is trying to accomplish here in Clarion County. Rich plans to help organize future benefits and volunteer more of his time,” explains Misty.
Frank and Misty have the following message for all of the individuals who contributed to this event:
“We want to praise Jim Doefler, of South Bethlehem — for all of his support that he has given us on a daily basis and who has been our backbone of support throughout all of our endeavors. We also want to thank all of our volunteers; our children for helping in so many ways; Santa; The Capella’s for giving a beautiful performance; the State Police Barracks; and last but not least — Debbie Howell-Rainey.”
The A Capella’s from Clarion University sang holiday carols during the event.
Along with volunteers who were painting faces, Frozen characters Elsa and Anna visited with the children, and there was a special appearance from Santa.
Debbie Howell-Rainey was pleased with the turnout for the event.
“I would like to thank everyone who participated in such a grand event, and I hope that next year it will be even better. I only had three weeks to throw it together, and I didn’t get to invite all the local heroes out there. It brought warmness to my heart that our small community took their time to help and be a part of this. To watch the faces of the young kids get to interact with everyone was the best gift to me,” comments Debbie.
“I’m proud to represent the state police and let everyone know we all care!”
The following local heroes attended the Sunday afternoon event:
– Clarion-based State Police
– Clarion Borough Police
– Clarion County Sheriff’s Department
– Clarion County 911 Services
– Clarion Fire and Hose Company
– Clarion Hospital Ambulance Services
– Clarion Psychiatrics
– Clarion University Police
– Emlenton Fire Department
– Emlenton Police Department
– Mark’s Towing
– New Bethlehem Police Department
– PA Game Commission
– PSP Aviation
– South Clarion EMS
– STAT medEvac
– The Bantam Marine Detachment #743
(Photos courtesy Misty Bracken and Debbie Howell-Rainey)
