A new pair of hands will take the wheel for this year's Toys for Tots toy drive.
Paula Scott was introduced Saturday as the new coordinator to the core group of volunteers who have helped with the program for several years.
Scott is youth development specialist with Community Chest Inc. in Virginia City. A native of Carson City, Scott will attend the Toys for Tots coordinators' orientation workshop in Alexandria, Va., in August.
"I know I've got big shoes to fill, but I'm anxious for the challenge," Scott said.
Scott will take over for Dave and Patsy Wyble who have served as the Carson City-area coordinators for the Toys for Tots program for the past seven years. Dave must move to a lower elevation due to congestive heart failure.
"We wanted to be sure the program stays steady and is run by someone who's local," Dave Wyble said of choosing the new coordinator. "Paula already knows most of the contacts."
"I've already worked with the Wybles for five years," Scott added. "I'm excited and apprehensive, but with the help of the volunteers we will keep this going."
Toys for Tots served 2,159 children in 2005. The number of toys donated by the community was 6,631. It was the second most successful campaign in the 58-year history of Toys for Tots.
Scott, 35, said she will be working from the leads and contacts already established by the Wybles.
She is married to Rick Scott, and has two daughters; Rachaun, 14, and Ruthann, 5.
Volunteer Bob Delaski said he will help Scott with the transition.
"I've been a volunteer since the Wybles started (with the program)," Delaski said. "I will help out, along with my wife, Ginny."
The Wybles said they will miss the friends they have made while living in Carson City since 1987, the volunteers who have helped them, in addition to the many families they have helped.
"This is the longest we've lived in one place," Patsy said. "But when we finally pinpointed Dave's doctor into what elevation he had to be at or under, he said 2,100 feet.
"Dave has to take water pills because the pressure of the elevation causes fluid to build up on his lungs, which puts extra work on his heart."
"I'm going to miss meeting the people in the community and seeing the smiles on the kids' faces," Dave added. "And helping the veterans."
The Wybles will head out in their motor home in July to visit their son Dave Jr. in Washington. They have two other sons, both U.S. Marines; John is a gunnery sergeant and drill instructor in Parris Island, S.C.; Brett is a staff sergeant and recruiter in Paradise, Calif., and daughter Jennifer, who lives in Sparks. Dave Sr. is a retired chief warrant officer 3 of the Marines.
"After Washington, we'll come back here to tie up loose ends then head across the southern route to Virginia," Patsy said.
The Wybles said they are looking to settle in Salem, Va., and plan to get involved with Toys for Tots there.
"We're going to get involved wherever we go," Dave said. "It's what we enjoy. It's all about the kids."
• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.