Posted by Rick Kaplar
Furry Fun:  Tysons Rotary President Tyra Garlington pauses to give a few rubs to a comfort dog at the annual toy drive sponsored by Firefighters & Friends to the Rescue in Alexandria on Dec. 12, 2019.   Every December, Tysons Rotarians join hosts of volunteers who financially and personally help Fairfax County firefighters distribute new toys and books to children in the region.  School buses transport wide-eyed tykes to the firehouse where they are met with the love, laughter, and hugs of volunteers who guide them through a maze of unexpected joy ending with a talk with Santa and a chance to enjoy the therapy and comfort dogs.
Helping Hands:  Tysons Rotarians pitched in at the firefighters' toy drive in Alexandria on Dec. 12, 2019.  From left front: Don Wipf, Laurie Kent, Ambreen Rizvi, and Tyra Garlington.  At rear is Fairfax County Deputy Fire Chief Willie Bailey, president of Firefighters & Friends to the Rescue and coordinator of the toy drive.  Deputy Chief Willie embodies the Rotary motto of Service Above Self!