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Tara Woods community more generous than ever with toy and food drive

2 min read

The annual toy drive at Tara Woods was stronger this year than ever before, despite the economy.

“Residents really outdid themselves this year,” said Tara Woods Activities Director Jane Crawford. “Even in this economic time they came through.”

Not only were there overflowing amounts of toys, an entire room at the clubhouse was filled with food donations.

“People need food, too, and they re-sponded to that,” said Crawford.

“It gets better every year,” said Debbie Objartel, who works in sales at the community. Her husband, Doug, is the community manager.

It’s also a fun day for them: all of the donations are given to the Bayshore Fire District, which distributes them to those in need in the area. Their son, Brent Objartel, is one of the firefighters who helps pick up the donations.

Bayshore Fire Chief Larry Nisbet also came to help with gifts and food and he commended the residents of Tara Woods. “Having support for the community, for families in need — that’s the holidays.”

He had high praise for the district’s office manager, Theresa Sharp, who coordinates the distribution. “Theresa has put a lot of time and effort into this, she’s really gone above and beyond.”

Lots of Tara Woods elves helped with the drive. Besides the Objartels and Crawford, Pat Sparany, Donna Phillips, Maggie Johannsen and Polly Brown also helped.

For several years, the drive benefitted only children of the Seminole Camp-ground. This year it will also benefit kids from Suncoast Estates, Tice, Shores and others in the district, said Sharp.

“We’re getting kids from all over,” she said.

They all look forward to next year.