TheAvonNews.com

Horse Guard holds toy drive

Published: Wednesday, December 9, 2009

AVON — The First Company Governor’s Horse Guards collected more than 600 toys, as well as more than $800 in cash donations, at a toy drive for children of deployed soldiers at Baker’s Dozen Bagels in the Nod Brook Mall in Avon on Saturday, Dec. 5.

More than a dozen horse guard troopers provided rides on state cavalry horses at the shopping center in exchange for donations, drawing steady crowds from busy Route 44.

The troopers faced a long line of children throughout the entire drive, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., as families turned out in droves to support their soldiers and families.

The toys and cash donations were collected as part of Operation Tribute, a non-profit program serving military families in New England . Operation Tribute will provide the gifts to military families.

“Even in a great economic downturn, our community came forward and gave generously to recognize our half-pint heroes -- the children of soldiers who sacrifice time away from moms and dads during the holiday season on behalf of our country,” said Maj. Michael P. Downes, commandant of the First Company Governor’s Horse Guards. “We want to thank our community for their support of this critical cause.”

“Operation Tribute wants to provide a holiday gift to Connecticut ’s children of military families to recognize their bravery and patriotism,” said Rich Cheatham, the Connecticut Chairman for Operation Tribute. “We believe these children deserve our appreciation and support when their mom or their dad is deployed. They are our unsung heroes and should not go unnoticed. Any support you can provide is greatly appreciated.”

To learn more about Operation Tribute, visit www.operationtribute.com, and to learn more about the First Company Governor’s Horse Guards, visit www.govhorseguards.org.