Tip of the H.A.T.: Judge Amy Corrigall Jones Helps VSC with Toy Donations

The generosity of Summit County residents was on full display during the 2017 holiday season, as members of the community turned out to support local veterans and their families during the VSC’s sixth annual holiday toy drive. Hundreds of toy donations, along with $1,200 in gift cards, from individual donors and various local organizations went toward ensuring that more than 200 Summit County children had gifts to open.

Each year, the VSC’s holiday toy drive attracts several volunteers who spend time manning tables, helping to pair veteran families with donated gifts. This year, a special guest was on hand to assist with toy donations – Judge Amy Corrigall Jones, presiding judge of the Summit County Valor Court.

Established in 2013, the Summit County Valor Court provides local veterans charged with low-level felony offenses access to programs, treatment and mentorship to help them transition successfully into civilian life. Corrigall Jones, along with several members of the Valor Court treatment team, spent two days at the VSC headquarters helping to pack up and hand out gifts. Among those who participated were Tamara Keefer, Danielle Sampson, Lori Mann, Steve James and John Schluep.

“The Summit County VSC and Director Larry Moore have been incredibly supportive of our Valor Court program and our veterans since we were established in 2013,” Corrigall Jones said. “They have worked tirelessly to support our veteran participants, providing treatment and wrap-around services. Additionally, the VSC is an active member of our treatment team and regularly attends our court sessions. In an effort to demonstrate our gratitude to the VSC, our veterans and their families, I thought it would be a meaningful effort to volunteer and participate in such a worthwhile cause.”

In addition to members of the treatment team, Corrigall Jones noted that more than 20 Valor Court veteran participants signed up for shifts to help with the toy drive. Each participant received community service credit, a requirement of the Valor Court program. VSC Project Manager David Burden said the extra help was appreciated.

“Our annual toy drive aims to ensure that children of these veterans always have presents to open during the holidays,” Burden said. “We are truly grateful for the assistance we received from Judge Corrigall Jones, her team and all of the Valor Court program participants who worked to help us make sure that dozens of local veteran families had a great Christmas.”

To learn more about the VSC’s annual toy drive or other volunteer opportunities, please contact David Burden at 330-643-7636 or by email at dburden@vscsummitoh.us.