The vision of one man 52 years ago still brings happiness to millions of needy children during the holiday season. In 1947, the very first Toys for Tots endeavor began in Los Angeles as an local campaign headed by U.S. Marine Major Bill Hendricks. The following year, the United States Marine Corps adopted the program and began to expand nationwide. That same year, an artist by the name Walt Disney produced and donated the campaign its first Toys for Tots logo. Since that time, the program has gone International on three occasions and has had a roster of celebrity spokespersons that has included Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, Tim Allen, and Kenny Rogers. And while the campaign’s 50th anniversary in 1997 was then considered the most successful year in the Toys for Tots history, the success rate of the program continues to steadily grow. Last year alone over 13.7 million toys were distributed to over five million needy children in our nation.

To help the efforts closer to home, Rogue Stork Entertainment, along with WQXA-FM 105.7 the X and AT&T Wireless, is sponsoring a benefit concert on Sunday, December 3 at the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers. For the admission price of $5 or a new unwrapped toy of equal value, local music fans can enjoy an entire day of live entertainment from some of the area’s hottest acts, including UUU, The Martini Bros., and Emily’s Toy Box, as well as Darcie Miner, Partial Post, Big Tubba Mista, Poptart Monkeys, Locke with Two Stuck Dogs, Halestorm, and The Dead 50’s.

Mike Wise of Emily’s Toybox, who will be playing the duel role of musician and MC for the day, was more than happy to be involved in such a project. "As individuals we like to do charity events, and this one is for the kids so how could we turn it down? This also gives time for the musicians to check out other local talent," he said. "We play all the time and rarely get to see other area bands so this is enjoyable for that reason, as well."

Liz Hale of the band Halestorm is just as proud to have her band involved in the benefit. "This is one opportunity for other teens to see what we do and know that teens can be positive role models, too," she said. Halestorm, which has just recently started to play in area bars, is mainly comprised of Hale and her brother, both teenagers. "I don’t think that people realize the poverty in our country, and doing benefit shows is a way for us to make a difference. We are a family oriented band, so we love this," she said.

The goal in the Central Pennsylvania area is to collect over 100,000 toys, all of which will stay local and go to children in the immediate area. For their part, local radio station WQXA-FM 105.7 the X has been doing remotes at several area businesses to kick off the campaign. "So far the response has been wonderful," said Claudine DeLorenzo, Program Director for the X. "We have barrels at all of our remotes and listeners who donate a new unwrapped toy get to pick a prize such as passes to area events or a CD." "We are not always able to help with everything, but this is something we feel strongly about," DeLorenzo added. "It’s sad to think of a child having nothing on Christmas, so we’re trying to make sure that won’t happen."

Along with the benefit, the X and AT&T Wireless have toy collection bins at all 11 area AT&T Wireless locations as well as at Borders Books in Harrisburg on the December 1 and December 10. More drop-off locations will be announced on 105.7 the X as part of their live remote broadcasts.

And it wouldn’t be a benefit for children without children. To assure that, AT&T Wireless returned all of the tickets the employees were given so that needy children could attend the benefit for free.