To further honor Richard A. Barz’s support of Toys for Tots, the Richard A. Barz Foundation donated $5,000 to Toys for Tots of Isabella County.
Richard A. Barz was born in Mt. Pleasant in 1930 and spent three years in the Army/Air Force before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. for many years. After his service, Barz worked in the in the moving and trucking industry.
Much later in life, Barz became interested in getting involved with Toys for Tots and spent many years supporting the organization before passing away at the age of 88 while preparing for a Toys for Tots Function at Central Michigan University.
“He spent his life as a marine and his entire last 30 years devoted to Toys for Tots and making sure that every child had a toy for Christmas,” nephew of Barz and foundation representative John Bush said. “His daughter Lucinda Clark helped him all along the way and after he passed she continued the labor of love in his name and memory.”
Last year, the Richard A. Barz Foundation was established with the support of friends, family members and community members who fondly remembered Barz’s efforts for the community. Donations to and from the foundation go towards organizations that helps kids, including Toys for Tots and Computers4Kids, as well as veterans.
On Saturday, June 25, representatives from Toys for Tots and Barz family members came to the Mt. Pleasant Comfort Care Senior Living center, where Barz’s sister Dani McDonald lives, to present $5,000 to kick off their donations to Toys for Tots for the 2022 season. The Barz Foundation plans to continue giving to Toys for Tots as well as helping to put up more donation boxes in his honor.
For more information, visit barzfoundation.com.
