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Neighborhood To Collect Toys

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 1, 2007

VIRGINIA PARK - Santa Claus will come early to Virginia Park. But it's not the receiving of gifts that has neighbors abuzz, it's the giving.
Boy Scout Matthew Paskert has enlisted the help of a neighborhood Santa to collect toys Sunday for children from Egypt Lake Elementary School, Hillsborough County's Weed and Seed program and the Redlands Christian Migrant Association.

Paskert is continuing a family and Scouting tradition. The Santa Stop project has been headed by Virginia Park Boy and Girl Scouts for three years. In return for his efforts, Paskert will earn the rank of Eagle Scout, the organization's highest.

Paskert, 14, a member of Troop 4 and a Jesuit High School freshman, said he wants to help underprivileged children.

"Most people get gifts for the holiday," he said. "I think they deserve them, too."

From 4 to 6 p.m., Paskert and about 40 neighborhood helpers will ride an illuminated sleigh along Grady and Clark avenues, stopping at about 30 intersections between West Palmira Avenue and West El Prado Boulevard.

They will collect toys for all ages but specifically request gifts for teenagers, a group that always comes up short on the gift count. Watches, clothes and gift cards are good ideas, said Paskert, who hopes to collect more than the 1,300 gifts received last year.

Paskert's mother, Kathy, said she wants others to take the project into their neighborhoods so more children can be reached. She estimates it takes about 365 volunteer hours and about $500 in advertising, snacks for the volunteers and upkeep of the handmade plywood sleigh.

Her older son, Seth, earned his Eagle rank with the 2005 Santa Stop project. Her daughter Caroline, 8, and son Daniel, 10, also are Scouts and she hopes they eventually will take the reins.

"I am proud they are out there doing something for others," she said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Santa Stop toy collection for needy children

WHEN: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Grady and Clark avenues between West Palmira Avenue and West El Prado Boulevard.

CALL: Kathy or Matthew Paskert at (813) 831-0493

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 835-2114 or jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com.

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