By Betsy Finklea
The Dillon Herald’s annual toy drive in partnership with Palmetto Leadership Dillon County and the Dillon County United Way was a huge success helping numerous families and children.
The COVID-19 pandemic did not discourage the generosity of Dillon County citizens and others from helping out with this worthy cause. We thank all who made this a success.

One gentleman who deserves special recognition is Brandon Allen, who is a Dillon County native, who lives now in Rock Hill.

Allen learned of the toy drive and brought 55 assembled bikes and 10 scooters to brighten up the lives of some of Dillon County’s less fortunate children. Every child, age four or older, who had signed up prior to the application deadline received a bike or scooter. He hopes to do even more for the drive next year. Allen raised the funds for the bikes and scooters in only two weeks. We thank him for his wonderful generosity.
We also thank our anonymous donor, who has been one of the main financial backers of this drive since it started. We appreciate his generous heart and love for children.
We also thank every member of the public, who brought a toy or sponsored a family, and to the churches and businesses who allowed us to place collection boxes at their locations. Without the public’s help year after year, this drive would not be a success.
Palmetto Leadership Dillon County packed the toys for the toy drive and for the food drive that we are holding for veterans. Paige Smith, a member of the Palmetto Leadership Dillon County Class, expressed what this meant to her. “It was such a rewarding experience to have the opportunity to serve my community through the Dillon Herald’s toy and food drive in partnership with the Dillon County Palmetto Leadership Program. It is heartwarming to think about all of the local families and veterans who have been blessed by the abundant donations,” Smith said. Smith and Director Johnnie Luehrs of the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce donated extra time for packing and distribution.
Sheriff-Elect Douglas Pernell and a crew of volunteers and Dillon County Council District One Councilman-Elect Jamal Campbell assisted with the distribution of the toys for the families and food for the veterans.
“We thank everyone who participated in and donated to the toy drive and food drive. Thanks to the help of the donors and everyone who packed and distributed toys, many less fortunate families and veterans were helped by these two drives. We look forward to helping more families in the future,” said Johnnie Daniels, General Manager of The Dillon Herald.