Lakeland Pools collects more than 800 toys

VERNON — Lakeland Pools & Spas would like to send out a huge thank you to all who donated once again to their Third Annual Toy Drive in loving memory of Harrison Shauger.

Harrison was born on Aug. 2, 2006 and lost his battle to Tetralogy of Fallot (a congenital heart defect) on March 26, 2013.

The toy drive is held every year to honor Harrison’s birthday. The toys are brought to the Pediatric Center for Heart Disease in Hackensack usually on Harrison’s birthday. Last year the toy drive took in a total of 663 toys and this year they collected 831. The toys are handed out at the doctor’s office to children who are affected by Congenital Heart Defects similar to Harrisons.

They would like to give a special thanks to Steven Willand Inc., Augusta Barber Shop, Lorenzos Pizza, Vernon Valley Karate Academy, Advocare Vernon Pediatrics, Sussex United Methodist Church, Track 7, Franklin Mutual Insurance, Selective Insurance, and A Barber & Style shop for being drop off locations this year, they are certain that it made a huge difference.

If interested in helping with the toy drive again next year or would like to be considered as a drop off location, contact Tracey at Lakeland Pools & Spas, 257 Route 94 in Vernon or 973-827-9000.