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Toys for Tots Powwow sparks quick response
By Jan-Mikael Patterson
Navajo Times
GALLUP - The Toys for Tots Contest Powwow is a go for Dec. 4 and 5, and already the response is exceeding expectations, said Diane Tolino, 21, event organizer.
Tolino has received telephone calls from as far away as South Dakota, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania since the innovative toy drive was announced Oct. 28 the Navajo Times.
"I was like 'holy cow,'" Tolino said. "I was tripped out about that (response)."
"(The families) read about it in the newspaper," said Tolino's mother, Christine. "The one from Pennsylvania called the same day the story came out."
All the callers are planning to send toys, she added. A South Dakota caller is planning to donate shawls and a local caller has promised to donate water and sodas for the powwow.
Gallup city leaders are fired up as well. "I really appreciate Diane's efforts to raise money for the toys for tots program," said Mayor Bob Rosebrough in a Tuesday telephone interview. "It's heartwarming to see her reach out to kids in this area."
Rosebrough is fascinated with powwows, he said. "As mayor, I've always enjoyed the experience of attending powwows," Rosebrough said. "I'm amazed at how many people it brings to the area."
Diane Tolino visited the mayor in January 2004 seeking help to find a venue large enough to host a powwow. Rosebrough helped her get the Gallup Junior High School gymnasium.
Four years earlier, she organized a successful powwow-toy drive for the Crownpoint area. Encouraged by her success, Tolino decided to put on another one, this time in her hometown.
The upcoming event is believed to be the first toy drive in Gallup to be associated with a powwow, according to Gallup Police Officer Owen Pena.
Tolino, a University of New Mexico-Gallup student currently on leave, said she believes that Christmas is a time of giving and nothing is better than a toy to bring joy to a child.
She has lined up a large number of like-minded family members and friends to supply prizes for the contest's 29 dance categories.
The Toys for Tots Contest Powwow is slated for Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4-5, at the Gallup Junior High School gymnasium. Admission is $5 or a toy with a five-dollar minimum value.
No drum contest is scheduled but, depending on public response to this year's powwow, a drum contest maybe included for next year, Tolino said.
The Tolino family is accepting donations for the powwow and is selling tickets for a gift and prize raffle. Raffle winners will be announced at the powwow and need not be present to win. Send donations to Diane Tolino, 3510 Camino La Tierra, Gallup, NM 87305.
Information: Diane Tolino, 505-863-4812.
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