Taking care of its own

Through the Toy Box program, Buxton residents and businesses donated food, clothes and gifts for 74 families with 153 children.

“They all got new jackets, hats, mittens and snow pants,” said Mia Dodge, Toy Box creator and organizer for 14 years.

Families also received bedding and board games, Dodge said.

Dodge said the number of families was up from 71 last year while the number of children decreased by one this year.

Donation boxes were located at Town Hall, churches, schools, libraries and businesses.

Holiday stateside

Jeanette Fernstrom said her son-in-law, Spec. Vincent Certoma, has returned to the United States after duty with the U.S. Army in Iraq.

Certoma and his wife, Spec. Allison Certoma, are both stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C. The couple was married in August last year and he was deployed two weeks later.

Committee assignment

Rep. Robert Hunt, D-Buxton, has been named to the Business, Research and Economic Development Committee in the 124th Legislature.