BP Toys for Tots collection surpasses $11K

The 2020 Toys for Tots drive in Blooming Prairie is now history.
Harvey Farr, local organizer in Blooming Prairie, said the drive was handicapped this year because fundraisers were cancelled due to COVID-19 virus.
In spite of the pandemic holding down collections this year, Farr reported $11,570 raised in the annual drive. Most of the monies in the past have come from the BOB (Bikers of Blooming) annual motorcycle ride. The BOB ride was cancelled for 2020.
Over the 21-year period, Farr says he believes the BOB ride has contributed over $135,000 to Toys for Tots.
The BOB Ride was started 21 years ago by Harvey and Nancy Farr of J & H Liquors.
"A group of guys were in the store one day and said they wanted to start a motorcycle ride," recalls Nancy. "I made a few more contacts and the ride was born," added Harvey.
The total raised in 2019 was $17,500.
Farr said he solicited the money this year. He then turned the money over to Steele County Toys for Tots coordinator Don Overlie of Owatonna. Overlie said typically, Blooming Prairie has been the leader in turning over funds for Toys for Tots in Steele County.
Another key Steele County Toys for Tots promoter was the late Jerry Shore of Owatonna. He passed away this past summer.
Toys for Tots of Steele County has been in existence for more than 30 years. It operates within the national U.S. Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots program, which began in 1947.
Its objective is to collect and distribute new and unwrapped toys to Steele County needy children at Christmas. Cash and gift cards received are used to purchase toys as per directives from our national organization.
For more information about Steele County Toys for Tots visit the Facebook page for updates www.facebook.com/pg/SteeleCountyToys4Tots.