TOWN OF SOUTHEAST – Marie Brady has spent her entire life helping children.
The spry 91-year-old, who resides a stone’s throw away from the Tilly Foster Mine in Southeast, is being heralded as a hero again this year by the county’s Toys for Tots Drive by traveling throughout Putnam County collecting toys for boys and girls for Christmas distribution.
Brady not only receives donations of playthings but she also purchases toys herself in order that “every child has a happy holiday season.”
A total of 506 toys were turned over to members of the sheriff’s office.
During a recent visit to ‘Brady’s Santa Workshop,’ the nonagenarian explained that she conducts her toy drive each year because “I love kids. The Good Lord never gave my late husband and me any children but this is my way of helping out.”
Brady wants no recognition. “I do it because I love it and for me the project is year-round.”
Brady said her annual collection could not succeed without the help of several special elves including Eileen DePaoli, Mary Ellen Staten, Paul Catalano, Dani Regan, Brandon Lennon, Owen Lennon, Katie DePaoli, Maggie DePaoli, Wendy Koehler, Suzy Jones, Anne Dominici, Patricia Lamson, Vincent Ricci, Brenna Ricci and Donna Iazzetti.
Brady attributes her long life to “clean living” and working in her garden: “There is nothing like the fresh air to keep you going. My attitude also played an important role because life is too short and I want to keep on doing in order to help others.”
Marie’s goal for next year is to double this year’s total of toys. “I just hope to live long enough to achieve that dream.”
