As a Marine from 1967 to 1973, Gennaro “Jerry” Picozzi became very involved in the Toys for Tots program, personally delivering toys to low-income households.

Now, the toys are distributed through charitable agencies, but Picozzi continues to do his part to help. He has continued donating ever since his time in the Marines and nine years ago he began reaching out to members of the Corvette Club of Rhode Island to see if they would donate as well.

“As a Marine I really connect with this program. Plus I have always had a soft spot for kids. Now I didn’t come from a wealthy family, but these kids have a lot less than I ever did,” Picozzi said.

Last year, with some help from the club, Picozzi was able to donate a personal record of 52 toys to the program. Now the Corvette Club has joined him, enlisting members, family and friends to help.

At last month’s meeting, as a kickoff to the toy drive, which began in early October and will run through December 6, the club gave Picozzi $300 to purchase toys. With the money Picozzi was able to purchase 27 toys.

The Corvette Club hosted a toy drive at Brewed Awakenings on Bald Hill Road Tuesday morning that within its first hour was able to more than triple Picozzi’s previous record with nearly 200 donated toys.

“This club has always been very charitable. It’s great to see this sort of support and we aren’t even done yet,” Picozzi said. “We are more fortunate than others and we have a responsibility to spread the wealth as much as we can.”

Among the toys were teddy bears, soccer balls, dolls and, of course, over half a dozen donated toy Corvettes.

Jim Campanini, president of the club, said, “Those kids that get the Corvettes, they’re going to be very happy.”

As toys continue to be donated Sergeant Christopher Leppert, a Marine representative for the toy drive had to call a fellow Marine to bring more donation boxes.

“We only brought five boxes; we never go through more than that,” he said. “We weren’t expecting so many people to be bringing in toys. We’re already almost out of boxes.”

The drive ran until 11:30, but the Corvette Club also had their members meeting that night. With all the donations from both events Picozzi and the club have already collected just over 300 toys.

Picozzi isn’t the only one to have a new record to boast; between their summer-long food drive and several other fundraisers, Campanini said this is a record-breaking year for the Corvette Club for charity work.

Liliana Dolan, publicity director for the Corvette Club of Rhode Island, said the group was happy to partner with Picozzi on the Toys for Tots initiative.

“Charity is what we are all about,” Dolan said. “We are people caring about people. Yes we have fun and we drive around in our cars, but we want to help the people of Rhode Island.”

She said club members often get creative for these fundraisers. As for herself, she joked that if anyone wants turkey at her Thanksgiving celebration they’ll need to bring a toy to donate.

Mayor Scott Avedisian, who made an appearance at the toy drive, said it’s great that a club can show such “support and encouragement” for one of its members, especially to have collected as much as they have for such a reputable charity as Toys for Tots.

“You can remember as a kid on Christmas morning opening gifts and finding a pair of jeans; the excitement came when you opened a toy. Every child should be able to experience that on Christmas morning,” Avedisian said.

David Levesque, owner of Brewed Awakenings, was happy to be a part of the drive and hosting its first event at the coffee shop.

“It’s just a great way to give back to our community,” he said. “The club is just awesome. It’s heartwarming. There’s nothing better than making a kid smile.”

“For these children, even getting one toy on Christmas morning can make that a year to remember,” Campanini said. “Then, maybe when they are in the position too, they’ll remember that Christmas and try to help other kids in the same way.”

The toy drive will run until December 6. For more information on the toy drive and how to donate contact Dolan at 369-2881 or Picozzi at 639-6229. Donations can also be dropped off at Express at 110 Jefferson Blvd., Suite E. There will be a Toys for Tots sign in the window.

For more information on the Corvette Club of Rhode Island visit their Facebook page or www.corvetteclubofrhodeisland.com. For more information on Toys for Tots visit www.toysfortots.org.