Event to benefit Toy Round Up raises cash, toys

The second annual toy run to benefit the Emergency Services Toy Round Up went on despite the death two weeks before of its founder.

James “Big Jim” Madison organized the first run last year, and his friends decided to carry on this year, naming the event in his honor.

A friend and organizer, Alice Hanzel, said the event held at The Flats Lounge on Saturday, Dec. 9, raised about $1,000 and filled four 55-gallon drums with toys. The cash will be used to buy more toys for the Round Up.

Admission to the event was a minimum $5 donation or a new, unwrapped toy. It featured a barbecue and live bands.