Bridge staffers collecting toys

Friday, Dec. 11, 2009

The Maryland Transportation Authority at the Gov. Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge in Newburg is asking motorists to drop off new, unwrapped toys to be distributed as Christmas gifts for needy children in Charles County.

The toy collection is a joint effort of the MdTA and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves national Toys for Tots campaign, said MDtA police Sgt. Jonathan Green in a press release.

The Marine Corps will donate the toys to the Children's Aid Society as part of the nonprofit organization's Christmas Connection program, he said.

Santa and MdTA police officers and staff will direct motorists to the far right side of the toll plaza to drop off toys from 6 to 9 a.m. and from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 11, Green said in the release.

Toys will not be accepted in the toll lanes, Green said.

This is the 20th year for the toy collection effort at the Nice bridge, Green said in the release, adding that more than 115,000 toys have been donated by motorists at toll facilities across the state during the two decades for needy kids in the area.

"We're excited about this opportunity for all of the citizens we serve to donate toys for those less fortunate during these difficult times," said MdTA Police Chief Marcus L. Brown in the press release.