Women on a knee holding toys
The Ag Toy Drive Committee made the “nice list” this year as they pose for a picture with Santa holding some of the agricultural toys donated by the community. Pictured left to right: Abbey Werstler (Wayne), Lindsay Tournoux and Calista (Organization Director), Hannah Becker (Wayne), Kara Wolff (Medina), Olivia Lang (Wayne), Sara Tallmadge (Ashland), Brooklyn Sims (Medina). Standing with Santa is Chris Box with Ashland’s Associated Charities. Ag Toy Drive committee member not pictured: Megan Timmons (Ashland).

ASHLAND – The Ashland and Wayne County Young Ag Professionals and the Medina County Young Farmers hosted their 7th annual Ag Toy Drive on Nov. 28 at Lincoln Way Vineyards.

After sponsorships and individual contributions were counted, over $12,500 in agricultural toys were donated to Associated Charities of Ashland County, Medina Toys for Tots, and Wayne County Toys for Tots this holiday season.

Each year the event seeks partnership with local businesses prior to the event to increase the overall impact.

The committee is grateful to have local businesses that not only value the agricultural history of the area, but also embrace the needs of the community.

The event sponsors rose to the occasion yet again this year and this event truly would not be successful without them as well as the individuals in the community that come out to support the event.

2023 Platinum Sponsors include: Bauman Oil 2023 Legacy Sponsors include: Apple Creek Banking Co, Andrews Auctioneers, Bent Ladder, Farm Credit Mid-America, Heffelfinger’s Meats, Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative, Jones Livestock, Slicker Farms, Spring Mist Farms, Rural King Supply – Wooster and Wayne Savings Bank 2023.

Gold Sponsors include: Ashland County Farm Bureau, Boyert’s Greenhouse & Farm, CropKing, Farmers National Bank, Farmers State Bank, Homer Yost Agency, Lincoln Way Vineyards, Lowe & Young Inc., Maibach Tractor, Medina County Farm Bureau, Park National Bank, Rea & Associates, Sterling Farm Equipment, Trent Insurance Group, Tyler Grain & Fertilizer, Wayne County Farm Bureau, Wellington Implement and WQKT Radio.

Both local business and individual cash donations were used to purchase ag-themed toys within each county.

This event would not be possible without the generosity of this community or the committee of eight volunteers who organized this event.

The committee looks forward to continuing the tradition of this event next year.

The Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals are 18 to 35, singles and married, who are interested in improving the business of agriculture, learning new ideas and developing leadership skills.