Thank you for so many wonderful years of OC Toy Drive support

Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed to have my home and life spent in the Ozarks. I consider it the most beautiful place that God created, attended nine years of school in a one-room school called Pine View, taught by my mother Edith Gaulding, who taught 30 years here in Ozark County. I met my sweetheart who I’ve been married to, come September, for 68 years. His name is Bob Walker, one of the best turkey hunters ever. 

This little letter is not just for my family’s past but to thank and recognize all the many, many hands that have helped make our local Toy Drive possible. It started back in the 1960s by an Extension Club called The Young Homemaker’s Club. It began in the courthouse basement with all used toys and wrapped with unprinted newspaper. We had about 27 young mamas and a whole lot of little kids. 

Years went by, and it came down to me and a bunch of folks that saw the need. Ozark County is just full of kind-hearted folks that kept on pulling it together year after year. We all love kids and just couldn’t bear knowing some homes at Christmas had no toys. 

If you hadn’t guessed by now, I just don’t know how to give up a job gracefully. God was so great to send me Paula Rose for Hootin an Hollarin. She is great, and I see her as answered prayer! 

But I’ll go on to say how many of you have made an effort toward making our Toy Drive go. Some by money, some by hands-on help, some by prayer - thank you all! 

This year, two new girls are going to step up, and I pray you will bless them the way you blessed me. The girls are Karla and Kris Ledbetter. They will run the 2024 Toy Drive. 

Nancy Walker,

Gainesville