THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA | 2017-2018
By Anna Kate Mackle, Principal Harp
For the third year in a row, The Florida Orchestra
musicians are collecting toys and other items for
Tampa Bay families in need. Each December, the
musicians partner with Toys for Tots Foundation
to collect toys, games, books, stuffed animals
and sports equipment at TFO concerts. This year,
for the first time, they also will team up with the
St. Pete YMCA’s Neighbor to Neighbor program,
which provides a Christmas tree, ornaments,
toys, a holiday meal and YMCA memberships and
after-school sports activities to families in need.
The musicians have generously offered to provide
live music for the families and volunteers at the
toy distribution event.
The Florida Orchestra musicians are committed
to finding ways to give back to their community,
and they feel strongly that it is important to help
make it possible for every family to celebrate the
holidays. “When this time of year comes around,
starting with Thanksgiving, it reminds me how
fortunate I am, and that thankfulness to God
should be every day,” bassist John DiMura said.
“So many children are not as fortunate, and
Toys for Tots gives us an opportunity for giving
back the joy we have had.” Violist Alison Heydt
agreed: “Receiving a toy can give a child hope
and joy, especially if that child has been having
a tough time. Food, clothing, shelter -- these
are all necessary to life, but so are hope and joy.
Music feeds the soul, too, so I guess that’s why
this particular cause is close to our hearts as
musicians.”
An annual tradition since 2015, the musicians’
toy drive has been tremendously successful,
due to the generosity of not only musicians and
their families, but TFO staff, Board and audience
members as well, who collectively have donated
over 1,000 toys. The 2017 toy drive will run from
December 1-17. Collection boxes will be available
at TFO offices and lobbies of performance
venues in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
Everyone is welcome to donate a new, unwrapped
toy. For more information, please follow TFO
Musicians on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram,
and visit FloridaOrchestra.org.
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TFO musicians collect toys and more for families