To Whom Much is Given...The Third Annual Toy & Coat Drive

Raymond Tyler posing with Grammy Nominated Singer Chrisette Michelle

For 300 of the 365 days of the year I complain and moan that I don’t have much. Unfortunately, I was right when I said years back “People will only be able to live like Puff Daddy or a crack head. No more middle class.” Like many of you reading this I am in a struggle every day to keep my financial status from going over the peak. However, I believe in what I do.
Yet for the past three years for about 65 days or so...I think about the other guy. Instead of comparing myself to the “haves” and feeling the sting of things I need but can’t afford yet, I think about the people who don’t have anything they need.
Raymond Tyler with singer Chrisette Michelle

Every night in Atlantic City my home town children go to bed hungry. Some children will not have a decent winter coat when the weather turns cold. Many children are in need of basic things to keep warm like sweaters, socks and gloves. There are also homeless children in my home town.
When October rolls around I put out calls to the Covenant House of AC to see what I can to help them, help young people in need of a warm bed and roof over head.
I do this because even with all the things I think I need but don’t have. I have been given a lot by way of opportunity. I have been blessed with great parents who are still with me. I have a couple of radio shows, I am looking to move to television and I have a column in a weekly newspaper. Make no mistake I had to fight for all of that but still I know there are plenty of people who would love to be in my shoes.
While I wear these shoes, I hope that my exposure can be used to help other people. So from the bottom of my heart I am asking you, to help me with my third annual AC Weekly/City Beat, WTTH/Breakfast Club, National Impact TOY AND COAT DRIVE.
The drive this year will help two major charities The Atlantic City Rescue Mission and The Covenant House. We do help some other people in need as well.
Here’s what we need this year and you can help with as much or as little as you can afford.
· New Toys (Un Wrapped Please)
· Mp3 players (Can be the very basic ones)
· New Coats
· Any new warm clothing items in all sizes, especially bigger sizes. Includes: socks, sweat shirts, and baby clothing.
· Hygiene products. Includes tooth paste, deodorant, soap, kits, razors and other toiletries.
· Professional work clothes...(for people to go on a job interview.)
· Monetary donations can be made directly to The Covenant House or AC Rescue Mission.
Currently we have several events where you can bring these things to and enjoy yourself.
Arts and Music
Sunday’s at The Doris Jazz Room from 3pm to 5pm
(Admission $5)

AFTER DARK
Tuesday December 8th at Tropicana casino Hotel inside Planet Rose
Invite Only

Poetry Workshop with Raymond Tyler
Monday December 21st at 5:30pm inside the AC Free Public Library
Admission is Free

AFTER DARK TOY/COAT DRIVE VICTORY PARTY
Tuesday DEC 22nd At The Tropicana Casino Hotel Inside Planet Rose
Invite Only
You can also drop off donations directly to the offices of The AC Rescue Mission 609- 345-5517 and Covenant House 609-348-4070.

Raymond Tyler