Angela Thomas Steers Sedona’s Heartwarming Toys for Tots Initiative

Angela Thomas has stepped into the role of local coordinator for the Toys for Tots program, succeeding the long-serving leaders, Karen and Leonard Barrow, who retired after last holiday season.

“We’re very similar in a lot of ways,” Karen Barrow noted. “Thomas is very organized and on top of everything. My advice to her was to learn to delegate tasks.”

This spring, the Barrows were recognized with the Spirit of Philanthropy award from the Arizona Community Foundation, receiving a $1,000 prize to donate to a charity of their choice. They promptly gave this award to Sedona Toys for Tots, which, for the first time, participated in the TFT Foundation’s Literacy Program. Books were distributed to students at West Sedona School before the summer break.

Thomas expressed ambitions to expand the Toys for Tots bicycle program beyond West Sedona School. She recently completed a two-day training course in St. Louis, Missouri, to prepare for her new responsibilities.

“I know she’s going to do a super job; she’s enthusiastic and has a great personality,” Leonard Barrow said.

In an interview, Thomas shared how her journey with Toys for Tots began four years ago, prompted by a collection box that reminded her of her son, a Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Thomas has been heavily involved in local initiatives since moving to Sedona, volunteering for projects like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Project Fill the Need Food Bank.

Before relocating to Sedona, Thomas met her husband, James, in 2003 in Southern California through an online dating platform. They married and then moved to Redlands. Her professional background includes 21 years as a sales analyst at Oracle Corporation.

“I’m passionate about getting involved,” she said. In California, wrapping gifts for charity during Christmas became a meaningful tradition for her. In Sedona, she participates in various clubs and has made masks for SedonaKind during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thomas has also used her crafting skills to make blankets and stuffed animals for friends’ grandchildren. However, she is particularly focused on the fundraising challenges facing Sedona Toys for Tots.

“Each campaign needs to raise its own funds to operate,” she explained. “My biggest concern is ensuring we have enough money for toys.” She mentioned that the Barrows have reassured her about community support, stating, “Sedona always comes through.” Thomas aims to serve at least the same number of children in 2024 as last year, when they supported 1,111 children.

In her search for volunteers, Thomas emphasized the need for assistance with various tasks, including bagging toys, assembling bicycles, and providing food for volunteers on distribution days. Organizations interested in hosting collection boxes can reach out to her.

This year, donation boxes will feature QR codes for easier contributions, allowing individuals to financially support or purchase toys online.

An Italian Dinner Fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 17, at Sedona Winds, priced at $50 per person. Attendees must RSVP to Terry Williams by Nov. 5.

The annual “Stuff the Bus” event will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Hub at Posse Grounds Park. The drive aims to fill a Sedona Shuttle bus with unwrapped toys for children up to age 14, with donations of trash bags, box cutters, packing tape, and bottled water also needed. Families seeking assistance must submit an online application by Dec. 13.

“My vision for Toys for Tots is growth,” Thomas stated. “Every child who wants and needs a toy should receive one.”

For further details on Sedona Toys for Tots, visit sedona-az.toysfortots.org or contact Thomas at Sedona.az@toysfortots.org or (909) 747-4877.