Lexington, GA – December 1, 2011 – Despite the poor economy and the struggles of many families in our communities, the Oglethorpe County Republican Party Toy Drive was a huge success. In partnership with the Georgia National Guard, the local party collected toys to be donated to the families of Georgia soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, which culminated at the party’s annual Christmas Pot Luck Supper. “This is an extremely worthy cause and it is the least that we can do. These men and women are fighting for our freedom overseas, expecting nothing in return. This is a way that we can show our support to their families at Christmas time—a lonely time for the soldiers and families alike,” said County Party Chair Kirk Shook. “This is one less thing these military families will have to worry about.”

The Georgia National Guard is estimating that they will have over 500 families to serve this year. Newly appointed Adjunct General Jim Butterworth was schedule to speak at the event, but was unable to attend because of a last-minute scheduling conflict. Program Kim Garrett expressed her gratitude, “We are overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received around the state. Oglethorpe County’s contribution of over 200 toys and 10 bicycles will be a big help. Your generosity means more than you know. It will go a long way!”

Toy and cash donations for this year will continue to be accepted through the middle of December. Donations can be made year-round to:

Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation, Inc.

5019 Highway 42, Suite 203

Ellenwood, GA  30294-3438

(Please earmark the check “Christmas Assistance Program”)

The Republican Party Executive Committee thanks all the party members who took time to make the project successful. A special thank you goes to Roddy Sturdivant, an Oglethorpe businessman, whose extremely generous donation really pushed us over the top! Individuals from other counties also contributed to this effort. “This is the third year we have participated in the toy drive and I hope to continue. In these hard economic times, I know that it is difficult for many people. But to see the folks of this community come together like this is amazing. I can think of no better way for Oglethorpe County to support our troops at this time of the year than to help their families,” Shook stated.

For more information on the Oglethorpe County Republican Party, visit our website at www.oglethorpegop.com or contact:

Kirk Shook

Chairman, Oglethorpe County Republican Party

2^nd Vice-Chair, 10^th District Republican Party

kshookgop@gmail.com

169 Bridges Drive

Winterville, GA  30683

706-897-0892: cell