By Lee Cloer, December, 2003

The Marine Corps League, represented by Commandant Lee Cloer, and Toys For Tots Coordinator, Gunnery Sgt. Lou Slagle [U.S.M.C. Ret.], presented Phil Drake, of Drake Enterprises, with the Commander’s Award of The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. This framed award, including a gold foil print of The American Flag raising at Iwo Jima in WWII, was in recognition for donations made to The Franklin Toys For Tots Foundation.

Phil Drake and Drake Enterprises provided a window front section of a commercial building, once home to Bryant Furniture Store, directly behind the clock tower in downtown Franklin. The building was instrumental in the ability for the Marine Corps League to handle the 675+ children this year. The store front’s visibility to the community, location convenience for parent pick-up and the ability to store and separate the donated toys in a dry and warm environment, makes the busy season a lot easier for the volunteers and staff.