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Warm drinks and warm hearts Nine-year-old Tyler Gallo, of Youngstown, started Tyler’s Cocoa and Cookie Stand at just the age of 5
YOUNGSTOWN
Seventy-five toys and a number of donations from 50 participants is what a St. Nicholas School fourth-grader collected at his Zedaker Street home Sunday afternoon.
Nine-year-old Tyler Gallo started Tyler’s Cocoa and Cookie Stand at age 5.
“I asked my mom if I could have a lemonade stand but for hot cocoa to raise money and collect toys for kids who won’t get that many,” he said.
The money collected goes toward Tyler’s favorite part – buying more toys to donate.
Marine Corps Sgt. David Aghakan and LCpl Lee McVicker joined the event for its fifth year to represent the local U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, the middle man of the giving process.
Aghakhan said he’s amazed by Tyler and his motivation.
“This is just the coolest event I’ve ever been to,” he said. “It’s nice seeing someone this young doing charitable work on their own.”
Amber Gallo, Tyler’s mother, said she’s so proud of her son’s drive.
“We just love doing it,” she said.
Tyler also had similar warm and fuzzy feelings.
“It makes me feel good and makes kids who don’t have toys feel good, too,” he said.
Tyler and his mom will still be taking donations through their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/events/1792625924391111/. They welcome cash donatios and new and unwrapped toys.