The Walsh in Medina gives toys to 200 children
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Owner of The Walsh Rollin Hellner, right, and his girlfriend Mary Flores pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus during a free toy giveaway to 200 children on Sunday.
MEDINA – The Walsh on Sunday continued what owner Rollin Hellner hopes will be an annual tradition of giving away free toys to children.
Hellner started the giveaway last year at the West Avenue establishment and it was so successful he decided to do it again.
“I want to give back to my community,” Hellner said. “I felt this was something the community needed. I also gave out 100 meals last month, and last year I gave business owners gift certificates for a meal.”
In addition, Hellner said he planned to give his profits from The Walsh to the Medina community.
Hellner said the toy giveaway was very popular.
“We had 75 kids in the first half hour, and 150 by 11:30 a.m.,” he said.
Also on hand were Santa and Mrs. Claus, who met with children and posed for pictures.
Jim Dunn and Nichole Penner of Medina were one of the families who brought their children, Jace, 6; Ricky, 4; and Maci, 2. The children eagerly scampered between Santa’s lap and the tables full of toys, where they each got to choose one.
Hellner said any toys left over he would likely donate to MAAC toward their Christmas giveaway.
