Santa's helpers flood Oregon District, donate to Toys for Tots

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The Oregon District's annual Santa Pub Crawl to benefit Toys for Tots was held Saturday.

Daniel Lakovic was one of many people who made a donation to help the U.S. Marine Corps fill boxes with toys for local needy children. 

"I donated a race car and race track," said Lakovic, who is from the Dayton area.  "I think its great what the Marine Corps is doing and I wanted to participate. 

He and others dropped off unwrapped toys and/or monetary donations at the Dublin Pub, which was the first stop of the pub crawl.  

The popular Irish place was filled with people decked out in Santa hats, reindeer antlers, elf suits, and other costumes.

"I'm a candy cane," said Chelsea Frid.  "I bought a red dress and used white duct tape to create my costume."

"I'm a Christmas tree," said her friend, Kim Klonowski.  "This is an old green sweater and I hooked ornaments onto it."

Frid and Klonowski decided to give monetary donations for Toys for Tots.

Dayton city Mayor Gary Leitzell was also spotted joining in on the fun, and cause at the Dublin Pub.

"There are a lot of children out there that need to experience the joys of Christmas," said Mayor Leitzell.  "Its great that citizens are willing to step up to the plate and let them do that."

The giving didn't stop once outside Dublin Pub's doors.  Donations were also being collected at the Trolley Stop, Tumbleweed, Blind Bob's, Oregon Express, Ned Pepper's and Pulse.

Last year, the Santa Pub Crawl raised more than $2,500 to benefit Toys for Tots and Montgomery County Children's Services. 

If you would like to make a donation to Toys for Tots you can do so at any Dollar store.  Simply drop your toy in the donation box or you can call the organization at  (937) 241-74-01.