Toy Run Boats at Clark’s Marina
-Photo by Mike Hessong

Here they came – boat after boat, heading towards Clark’s Marina on December 1st, the culmination of the 16th Freeport to Port O’Connor Toy Run! The dock was lined with volunteers waiting to unload the toy-filled boats, destined for needy children. Everyone knew that whatever the weather, Jerry Karnes and his armada of brave and generous boaters would arrive with loads of Christmas toys.

Approximately $70,000 worth of toys were delivered to brighten the holiday for over 2,000 children. Those who were invited to share in the bounty included: Port O’Connor School, Aransas Pass School, Seadrift School, Bloomington School, Port Lavaca Schools, Tivoli School, Brown Santa, Blue Santa, Foster Care, Episcopal Church, Kids Connection, The Harbor, and Lily’s Faithful Angel.

Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce would like to say THANK YOU to  Kacie Skalak and her team of workers, Karie Skalak, Weslie Mollere and  Michelle Davis, for feeding the Toy Runners and Ronna Fishbeck for helping Kacie get the food line set up and ready to serve. The Chamber has fed these gracious folks the last several years to show our appreciation from the community for helping out so much to put so many smiles on kiddos’ faces Christmas morning!

Thank You goes out to Josies Mexican Food and Fishbeck Rentals for the donation of the briskets,  Alex Doolin for preparing the meat and to the Port O’Connor Service Club for baking desserts for all to enjoy! Great team work is key to making all of this come together and go smoothly.

Mary Jo Walker
Vice President, Chamber of Commerce

Unloading the toys
-Photo by Mike Hessong