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TOYS FOR TOTS: A RESOUNDING SUCCESS
By Assemblyman Brian M. Kolb
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This year's Toys for Tots campaign was the most successful to date. We were able to collect well over 1,000 new toys for needy children in our area and the donations are still arriving daily. Working with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and local businesses over the last four years, we have been able to provide hundreds of toys for children throughout the community,.
The annual toy drive produces dozens of stories from individuals all over New York who care so much and it makes me truly proud to call myself a resident of our fine community. This year, one of those standouts is from our own Seneca Falls Police Chief Frederick Capozzi and the Seneca Falls Police Department who donated over 20 bicycles to the Toys for Tots drive not because he had to, but because he felt compelled to help others in his community. I cannot help but smile when I think of the joy 20 fortunate children felt on Christmas morning when they received those bikes.
Initiated in 1947 by Marine Reserve Maj. Bill Hendricks, Toys for Tots quickly became the nation's flagship Christmas endeavor. Since its inception, the Marines have distributed over 300 million toys to more than 151 million needy children. Today, the Marine Corps Reserve collects and distributes, on average, 10 million toys to 5 million children - each year.
I think it is important during this season of giving not only to remember those who need our help, but also those who provide the help. The people who help fill the needs of others are truly the champions of our community, they truly are the ones who give the holidays the feelings of joy and hope. As always, I appreciate the help we received this year and past years. I also look forward to your future support for those in our community who are not as fortunate.
Again, thank you for your support, and I wish you all very happy holidays and a safe, happy New Year!
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KOLB APPLAUDS ILLINOIS GOV'S PROPOSAL TO BAN SALE OF VIOLENT AND SEXUALLY EXPLICIT VIDEO GAMES TO MINORS
By Assemblyman Brian M. Kolb
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Assemblyman Brian M. Kolb applauded Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's efforts to keep violent and sexually explicit video games out of the hands of children under 18. Blagojevich is introducing legislation in Illinois to prohibit the sale and rental of such inappropriate games to minors as well as require warning labels be placed on video game cases, informing purchasers of the games' lurid content. Assemblyman Kolb is the sponsor of similar legislation in New York.
"The material in many of the most popular video games is inappropriate for children but many parents do not know the contents of the video games they purchase because the details are not listed on the label," said Assemblyman Kolb. "By mandating clear warning labels and restricting sales of the most violent games, we can give parents the tools they need to protect their children from these grisly and horrific images. It's time to pull the plug on video game violence here in New York State as well."
Though a video game ratings system exists, administered through the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), many children under 18 are still able to easily gain access to violent and sexually explicit games because policies for selling video games to youths differ from retailer to retailer and are voluntary.
Under Assemblyman Kolb's legislation, civil penalties of up to $1,000 would be imposed on retailers and manufacturer's who knowingly violate the law.
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