Zarn 'always faithful' to Danville children
Sep. 28—A Danville man is remembered for his commitment to providing Christmas for kids.
John Zarn believed in the Marine motto Semper Fidelis, Latin for "Always Faithful." Zarn was faithful to the children of Danville, and his legacy lives on through Toys for Tots.
The basic mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas.
Zarn was the founder and longtime coordinator of the Toys for Tots campaign in Danville. As the kickoff for this year's event nears, his memory and faithful service are being remembered.
"Mr. Zarn was instrumental in bringing Toys for Tots to the Danville area," said Megan Montgomery, current coordinator of the program. "As a Marine, Mr. Zarn was dedicated to this cause, and his hard work made great strides in helping our most vulnerable children in the holiday season."
To kick off its seventy-seventh year nationally, Toys for Tots of the Danville area will host the John Zarn Memorial Toy Drive Kickoff on Friday, Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., at Courtesy Motors, 231 West Main St.
"Toys for Tots has been helping to make the holidays brighter for children across our nation," Montgomery said. "Because the need in our community remains so high, we want to get off to a fast start for this year's campaign. I am encouraging all our supporters to join us for the kickoff and get us off to a great start by bringing one or more toys, games, or books for the children in our community.
"If supporters are not able to bring a toy, we will have a donation jar available for their cash donations."
Montgomery said that Santa Claus will be on hand with special gifts throughout the event and encourages parents to bring their children.
"Children served by Toys for Tots receive not only toys but games and an age-appropriate book to read. October is the national beginning of our fall campaign," Montgomery said. "We want to ensure that our toy collection gets off to a strong start because the need is so great."
The local campaign serves Vermilion County, Illinois, and Fountain and Warren counties in Indiana. Last year, more than 6,600 toys were donated in the Danville area, providing gifts to more than 1,200 local children.
