About The Millen news. (Millen, Jenkins County, Ga.) 1903-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 31, 2025)
Page 8- Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Millen News themillennews.com Toys for Tots a huge success After an absence in the com munity for several years, the return of the Toys for Tots campaign this year was a huge success, with more than 435 children receiving toys. The Marine Foundation provided structure, training, and guid ance throughout the process, as well as providing funding and toys to support the campaign. “Without their support, we would not have been able to serve these children in our community,” said Dr. Giovanni Shumake, Jenkins County Co ordinator. Dr. Ann Woods of the Au gusta Toys for Tots provided mentoring, continued support, and generous toy donations. “Your commitment to Jenkins County over the years has made a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for your caring spirit,” Shumake com mented. The Toys for Tots Executive Committee, Charles Reynolds, Sr., Joel Carter, Sr., Dr. Wanda Dwight, Bernice Kirkland, and Pamela Walker, conducted a successful campaign which began with a solid plan. “I am thankful that decisions were guided by thoughtful discussion and collective deci sion-making rather than simply being rubber-stamped. Your leadership and commitment were essential to our success,” commented Shumake. The Jenkins County Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. John Paul Hearn provided storage space at the warehouse and the school cafeteria for distribution. Shane Nesbitt also supported the storage and transportation of toys. “Thank you for your contributions to the success of this drive,” Shumake said. “Shanelle Carr, Community Works Coordinator, and her team of volunteers were in strumental in the nuts and bolts of the campaign. Although Shanelle leads her own toy giveaway, she selflessly sup ported Toys for Tots as well, an action that speaks vol umes about her character. Your team’s impact was invaluable,” Shumake said. He also expressed apprecia tion to seasoned citizens who stepped in wherever help was needed: Myrtis Reese, Julie Lassiter, Vetta Reese, Annette Brown, Alonso Holmes, Er nestine Miller, Etwill Mils, and Rev. Sandy Miller. “Sheriff Robert Ogelesby, Millen Police Chief Dwayne Herrington, Sgt. Hank Whit- ers ensured public safety throughout the distribution process,” Shumake acknowl edged. “Ricky Williams, Leroy Cooper, Arthur Milton Jr., Sgt. Mathew Davis Jr., and PruittHealth-Bethany contrib uted generous monetary con ¬ takes a village, and Jenkins County showed up!” tributions, which were greatly appreciated.” “Thank you to all the agen cies and companies that col ¬ lected toys, and to the citizens who rolled up their sleeves and assisted in every way pos sible,” Shumake said. “It truly From left, are Natalie Mills, Shanelle Carr, Julia Lassiter, Regina Moore, and Vetta Reese are shown at work with the Toys for Tots campaign. Shown, from left, are Literacy Coordinator Myrtis Reese and Jasmine Montgomery, Toys for Tots. / Working with the Toys for Tots program, from left, are George Wright, Pastor Steve Carr, Alonzo Holmes, Pamela Walker, Natalie Mills, Joel Carter, Sr. Rev. Sandy Miller, and Dr. Giovanni Shumake, Jenkins County Toys for Tots Coordinator. ENDS JANUARY STH! AT SYLVANIA Range® Stk# T4660 START! NG AT Stk# 4572 Stk#T4649 90 DAYSIUNTIL FIRST PAYMENT • YEAR END. SALES EVENT 2025 Ford F-150 Cord 2026 Ford Explorer 1 2025 Ford Bronco Sport 2025 Ford Bronco meC IF 560 040,000 Bl94 $32,389 2025 Ford Super Duties 4x4‘s $56,535
