WILTON MANORS — Officials say that last month’s Seventh Annual Judy Shepherd Toy Drive benefited more local children than ever before.

“We collected over 1,500 toys, distributed to 6 different organizations and many families,” stated Ronni Dowd, Chairperson of this year’s Toy Drive. “We collected almost $1,000 in cash donations and sponsorships and had a dozen volunteers,” she added. “We had donation boxes placed in more than 20 different locations throughout Broward County.”

In its seventh year, the event benefited Thurgood Marshall Elementary, Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center, and other area agencies.

“It’s been a privilege to be associated with such a hard working group of volunteers,” said Donna Woessner, the coordinator of the Pride Center’s Women with Pride project. “Each one of us had the kids in mind as we began the Drive. And each one of us had Judy’s voice in our head as we delivered toys and bikes and love.”