HOBE SOUND — The gymnasium at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hobe Sound was a bevy of activity on Dec. 18 as more than 100 “elves” wrapped toys to be given as holiday gifts for members of five clubs in Martin County. The wrapping party – which included a breakfast for all the volunteers – was the culmination of the Boys & Girls Club’s “Operation Merry & Bright,” which started more than a month ago with opportunities for residents to donate gifts. “Over the last month, we must have collected over 3,000 toys,” Meghan Shirey, director of marketing and external affairs at the Hobe Sound club. More than 40 businesses from Hobe Sound north to Jensen Beach had collection boxes where customers could drop off toys. Club workers then inventoried the assortment and divided them into age-appropriate categories. In addition, financial contributions were collected to enable the club to buy boxes of food -- fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy pantry items, prepared meals, and snacks – for families which can be used while the clubs were closed from Dec. 24 through 27, Shirey said. Once wrapped, the gifts were next taken to the clubs on Dec. 20 and 23 which service 11 elementary, middle and high schools in Martin County. The gifts would be distributed to youngsters to take home for unwrapping on Christmas Day. “We believe every child deserves to feel the warmth and wonder of the holiday season,” Keith Fletcher, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Martin County, said in a press release. “Operation Merry & Bright is not just about gifts, it’s about fostering a sense of togetherness, hope, and belonging for our families. But this entire effort is truly a gift that keeps on giving, as our community partners and donors who volunteer tell us that nothing puts them in the holiday spirit quite like this event. “They love sharing in the uplifting atmosphere of the wrap party as they connect with neighbors, organize and prepare the presents and recreate some of that Santa’s Workshop magic in our club. The result is an unforgettable holiday season for the children and families we serve,” he said. Although Willie Autrey lives in Okeechobee, he came as a volunteer through AmeriCorps, a federal program for volunteerism in local communities. “This is my first year with (AmeriCorps),” Autrey said. “It’s euphoric. Gives us all a sense of enlightment.” By his own admission, he is not an expert package wrapper. “My family usually does all the wrapping,” he said. Jensen Beach resident Courtney Tompkins, while carefully wrapping one of six Darth Vader action figures, for boys ages 6 to 8, said she is “big into philanthropic causes and I love to give back. There are a lot of kids who need gifts this year.” Tompkins previously worked at a Boys & Girls Club in Starkville, Mississippi as a grant writer, she said. She now is a sourcing specialist on the supply team with Next Era Energy, which had a half-dozen of their employees come out for the morning party. She considers herself to be “top tier” when it comes to wrapping packages, she said. To read the full story, click here.