Mid-South Toys for Tots Coordinator Carrol Howard, receives National Recognition

Jan. 26, 2013 - PRLog -- Mrs. Howards breathes "Toys for Tots' every year and works day and night to ensure that Mid-South Communities will have a successful campaign. This young lady is responsible for one county in Arkansas, eight counties in Mississippi, and thirteen counties in Tennessee. Mrs. Howard Span of Control is still growing, but a complaint will never come from her lips.  Mrs. Howard said that she agrees with this quote: “ A child’s smile is one of life’s greatest blessings.
Out of 920 national coordinators, Ms. Carrol Howard was named 2011 National Toys For Tots Coordinator of The Year. What an accomplishment!  Mrs. Howard was the guest speaker during the 2011 National Annual Toys for Tots Conference that was held in Washington D.C. Her husband, Mr. Godfrey Howard, Gerald Morris, Al Rome accompained her at this historical event. Howard, of Olive Branch, is a retired Marine master sergeant who got involved in Toys for Tots while stationed in Millington. Mrs. Howard commented that she understands when parents are struggling and don't have enough funds.
She recalls a day as a lance corporal packing toys with other Marines. Her pay was so low she could not buy a toy for John, then a toddler, and a child by a previous marriage. It didn't occur to her to ask for a toy because those were for "the less fortunate," she said. But when one of the Marines made a casual inquiry, he found there were no plans for her boy's Christmas. The Marines gave John three toys.

"That was the only year I had to ask for help," said Howard. "After that, I got back on my feet. I was blessed. They helped me when I needed help, and now I must give back."


Carrol Howard has headed the operation for the last 12 years and also works for FedEx as an instructor. To ensure that the Toys for Tots campaihn is successful, Mrs. Howard and others have to do fundraising year-round. She works for a great company, FedEx. Her employer lets her off work several weeks at the end of each year to concentrate on Toys for Tots campaign and distribution.