This year is the seventeenth year for the Larry Tutson Jr. Annual Toy Drive Giveaway, but it was the first without one of the key supporters of the holiday event. Terry Smith, owner of T. Smith Inspection and Testing as Mr. Smith passed away earlier in 2019. However, his generosity was remembered by organizers Gregg and Barbara Smith.
Larry Tutson, Jr., the son of Gregg and Barbara Smith is honored each year on his birthday, Dec. 23, following his unsolved murder in 2002 when he was trying to help a friend. His parents and supporters such as Terry Smith started a toy drive to help make Christmas a happy time for many families who cannot afford holiday happiness. Throughout the previous 16 years, they have provided Christmas cheer to more than 500 children annually, with the need growing each year.
This year the Annual Toy Drive was once again held on Larry’s Birthday, Dec. 23. The doors opened at 10 a.m. at R. L’s Blues Palace in Dallas and hundreds of happy children and their grateful parents were able to receive bikes, toys and other gifts.
