On Tuesday, July 25th, 2017, Jolly Roger Amusement Park held its 1st annual Christmas in July Toy Drive to benefit our local Toys for Tots chapter at the 30th Street Amusement Park. Guests were invited to bring a cash or toy donation for the Toys for Tots organization in exchange for discounted tickets to any of the parks that day.
The event began with a flag raising ceremony by Pocomoke High School’s Marine Corps Junior ROTC Color Guard as Frank Del Piano, Commandant of the First State Detachment Marine Corps League, played the snare drum. Following the flag raising, Rick Meehan, Mayor of the Town of Ocean City, and Del Piano spoke about the event and its positive impact on the local community.
Mayor Meehan told guests, “…it’s July 25th and here we are thinking about the beach, the Boardwalk, Jolly Roger and all the fun everybody is going to have in Ocean City, but Jolly Roger is working with the Marine Corps to remember what the 25th of December is all about and also to remember all the kids throughout our area, and really throughout the country, who maybe aren’t as lucky as some of us, and how important Toys for Tots really is,” he said. “So here we are in July and we are celebrating Christmas in order to support their efforts.”
After the opening ceremonies, the toy drive was officially underway as a convoy of Jeeps arrived filled with toys. Mayor Meehan also came with toys in tow, handing them out to guests so they could take advantage of the day’s discounted tickets. In total the event collected just under 200 toys and almost $500 for our local children.
Jolly Roger Amusement Parks, would like to thank Mayor Meehan, the Town of Ocean City, D3Corp, Brad Hoffman, organizer of Ocean City Jeep Week, Toys for Tots, Pocomoke High School’s Marine Corps Junior ROTC Color Guard, and the First State Detachment Marine Corps League for making the event possible. Jolly Roger Amusement Parks is looking forward to continuing the event and is already planning to make next year’s event even bigger and better. Make sure to circle July 25, 2018 on your calendars!