Eighth Annual Richie Hrivnak Toys for Tots and Plum Food Pantry Drive is Saturday

Plum Borough Mayor Richard Hrivnak and his family have been prepping for the eighth annual Richie Hrivnak Toys for Tots and Plum Food Pantry Drive.

The holiday party will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Boyce Park Ski Lodge.

There is no cost to attend the event, which includes games, activities, visits with Santa Claus and more fun.

The Hrivnaks just ask those who attend to bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, and/or non-perishable food items for the Plum Food Pantry.

The Marines distribute the toys collected as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

Mayor Hrivnak and his wife, Charlene, began hosting the party when their son, Richie, was 1 year old to teach him about the joy and importance of giving to others.

Hrivnak said Richie, now 9, has definitely caught on.

"He can't wait," he said. "He enjoys going out to buy toys for the kids. Hopefully this sticks with him his entire life. He's a good kid, and I am blessed to be his father."

Throughout the years, the event has received growing community support, Hrivnak said. In the early years, the party was held at Renton Fire Hall. It's blown up since then.

"Last year, we had 500 people come through," he said. "It's growing more and more every year.

"This is a chance for us to give back. If we can do anything to help, we do it."