Friday November 28, 2008

Mathias and Janos Varga have a lot in common.

Not only are they identical twins, but they're both marines, they're both volunteer firefighters and they both thought it would be a good idea to marry the two jobs this holiday season.

"There are so many resources that the fire department has and Toys for Tots has resources also, we can both use them," says Mathias, a Lance Corporal in the Marine Reserve.

The Marine Reserve runs Toys for Tots each year, looking to provide toys for kids in need across the country. But this year, with so many marines away from home, the collection efforts needed a little boost.

"It was kind of a no-brainer because we have several members who are in the Marine Corps and they all approached us saying that this year they needed extra help to try and collect toys," explains Zion Crossroads EMS Captain Jason See.

That's why the volunteers of the Zion Crossroads Fire Department will be working extra hard this season, organizing toy drives across the region so that every child in need can have a present under the tree.

"Within our own department we've seen some personal struggles and financial issues," See says. "So we know personally firsthand how hard it's going to be this Christmas and this holiday season."

"It actually means something to do something for kids and actually show them, hey, he does something, you know, nationally, but he comes around local and he helps kids out here," Marine L. Cpl. Janos Varga adds.

And despite the challenges presented by a slumping economy, the men and women in uniform say they'll be up to the challenge.

"This year is going to be hardest, but raising toys, just giving them to little kids at Christmas," Mathias Varga says, "that gives them hope right there."

The Zion Crossroads Toys for Tots effort is collecting and distributing toys to families in need across Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna and Louisa Counties. They're asking for new, unwrapped toys this holiday season.

There are collection points at stores across the area, but they'll be out at K-Mart on Friday November 28 and at the Lowe's Zion Crossroads on Saturday December 6.

For more information go to http://www.zcvfd.org/component/option,com_jcalpro/Itemid,82/extmode,view/extid,298/ or http://www.toysfortots.org/.