Missouri Gov. Mike Parson met with a Claus about Christmas toys Wednesday.
Not Santa, but Master Sgt. Klaus (pronounced the same).
Klaus represents the annual local Toys for Tots Christmas campaign, operated by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. And Parson had prepared a proclamation recognizing 2022 represents the 75th consecutive year of the program, which collects and distributes toys for needy children during the Christmas season.
Parson told Klaus (otherwise known as Jon Morgan) how he and the first lady appreciate the work Toys for Tots does.
"I think what you guys do is so special," Parson said. "Seventy-five years is pretty remarkable."
Coordinators from 20 Missouri Toys for Tots districts were in town Wednesday to meet with lawmakers and accept resolutions recognizing the nonprofit's efforts, Klaus said.
The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program has "protected the hopes, dreams and positive future of our nation's most valuable resource," the proclamation said. Since 1947, the program has served 281 million children and distributed 627 million toys, it pointed out. The goal of the program is -- through a new toy or book -- to bring the joy of Christmas and a message of hope to America's less fortunate children.
Request toys, donate toys, volunteer to help the program or sign up to become a local toy drop site at www.toysfortots.org. Also, look for the Toys for Tots Cole County site on Facebook.
Toys for Tots accepts applications for toys from Oct. 1-Nov. 22. Toys are expected to be collected through Dec. 8. Distribution is Dec. 13-14.
Klaus told the News Tribune he received a promotion about 20 years ago. He was previously known as Master "Gunny" Klaus. Gunny began serving in World War I, bringing Christmas to Marine encampments in the forests of Argonne France, he said.
And he was involved during the first Toys for Tots campaign, held in 1947.
"I think things are going to go great this year," Klaus told the News Tribune. "I know things are a little tough financially, but people are ready to help out."
This campaign is for children, he continued. There may be more children in need than before, but organizers are upbeat, he said.
Some people begin wringing their hands, he said. But, he doesn't worry because he knows the community will pitch in and things will work out.
"The wonderful people of Missouri -- and the people of Cole County -- always step up," he said, and added folks from Cole County have served children in surrounding counties. "This year, we're probably going to help even more. We're getting a statewide proclamation from the governor, but senators and representatives from all the counties are giving us resolutions."
The all-volunteer Toys for Tots organization has been connecting with lawmakers for an entire year, he said. Hopefully, support from the lawmakers will translate into more awareness of, and participation in, the Toys for Tots program locally, he continued.
"I think this will be a great year," Klaus said.
The local Toys for Tots campaign will be based at Capital Mall again this year. It will begin distributing collection boxes in the community Oct. 11.
Some upcoming fundraisers/toy drives include the annual "Fill a Truck" event at Rusty Drewing Chevrolet, Buick and GMC; the 39th annual All Ford Car Show, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at Capital Mall; the annual Society of Creative Anachronism national medieval-style tournament, Nov. 20 at The Zone, 2423 W. Main St.; and candlelight tours of the Missouri Governor's Mansion to be held Dec. 2 and 5.
More details will be available as the events near.
Participation in the drives is appreciated.
The local campaign expects to expand its reach from about 3,000-4,500 children this Christmas.
Julie Smith/News Tribune photo: On behalf of Toys for Tots, Master Sgt. Klaus, at right, accepts a proclamation from Gov. Mike Parson honoring 75 years of service by the charitable organization.