The Wake Weekly, Wake Forest, NC; by Peggy Allen, December 19, 2003

Family holds party for Toys for Tots
Last year Amanda and Nick McGinley of Cardinal Dirve in Wake Forest thought about having a party for Toys for Tots, but it was too late in the season to organize one. This year, with the help of their mother, Libbey McGinley, they started early.

Using the Interet, Libby located Gunnery Sgt. Louis Slagle of Franklin (located in Western N.C.) She learned that there was no one sponsoring Toys for Tots in the area, and the party plans began. Invitations asked guests to bring a new, unwrapped toy to "help spread the joy and magic of Christmas."

Slagle drove the 350-plus miles in his truck and was able to take the toys back to the mountain area. Also attending the party was Charlie Gadd, a Vietnam vet who served at the same time and in the same area as Slagle. The two exchanged stories while other guests listened intently.

Slagle described the ribbons on his chest, saying that they include Vietnam military air medals and four Purple Hearts. Slagle, a Marine for 24 years, has been involved with Toys for Tots for 37 years.

The Dec. 7 party hosted by Nick, Amanda and Libby McGinley and Ruth Nickols, was held at the McGinley residence and attended by almost 100 people. Guests included church and school friends and neighbors. They enjoyed refreshments provided by Libby, her sister Caroline, and their mother, Ruth. Amanda is a sophomore at Wake Forest-Rolesville High School, and Nick is a fourth-grader at Wake Forest Elementary School.