For further information please contact: Sergeant Dan Green
(816) 622-0800
A110701
11/13/2007

EMPHASIS: News Conference To Kick Off The Fifth Annual Trooper Michael L. Newton Memorial Toy Drive


Captain Vincent J. Ellis, commanding officer of Troop A, announces the kick off of the Fifth Annual Trooper Michael L. Newton Memorial Toy Drive. The drive will be a cooperative effort between the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Kansas Highway Patrol, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, the Children’s Miracle Network, and the citizens we serve. The drive is designed to brighten the lives of children who are forced to spend the Christmas holiday season in the hospital. All donations will be delivered to kids at Children’s Mercy Hospital and KU Medical Center. Troopers will deliver the toys personally to the kids during the month of December. Last year, approximately $10,000 worth of toys were collected for the two hospitals.

Toy donations may be made at all metro area Krispy Kreme Doughnut stores. Krispy Kreme will again give away a free dozen doughnuts to anyone who donates a new toy with a value of $10 or more. Monetary donations can be made to the Missouri State Trooper’s Association at 504 SE Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64063.

A news conference announcing the kick off of this year’s toy drive will be held on November 16, 2007. The news conference will start at 9 a.m., and take place at the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts located at 10390 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS. The death of Trooper Newton has left a huge void in the lives of friends, co-workers, and family. This toy drive has proven to be an excellent way to honor Michael’s memory.

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