Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) members supported the Smithfield District Toys for Tots by manning the grills and slow cookers to serve up hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork barbecue and Brunswick stew at the 22nd Annual Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show and Toy Drive. The event brought out 167 show vehicles and over 700 attendees. The toy drive collected 906 toys, 103 books and 1,450 stocking stuffers. Through entry fees and VERG food sales, the event raised $6,500.

”As a U.S. Marine Corps/U.S. Air Force brat, events like this have always been close to my heart, and with this being the first big volunteering thing I’ve done since COVID, it was beyond amazing to see the turnout for such a wonderful cause and get to interact with so many people happy to be there,” said Katiana Slaton (E46). “The stacks of toys (for tots!), Mr. and Mrs. Claus coming in on a helicopter, vintage cars, excited families and the company of my fellow VERG members all made for a day full of Christmas joy. I’m already looking forward to Toys for Tots next year.”