Hobart boy honored for giving back

HOBART | Last Christmas, 8,400 toys were distributed to needy youngsters through the Toys for Tots program, coordinator Bruce Wilkinson said.

One of those donating new toys to the sponsoring organization was Riley Mikula, 3 1/2, of Hobart.

Riley, flanked by his parents, Tianna and David Mikula, received special recognition on Monday from Wilkinson, representing the Marine Corps Reserve, as well as Terry Connell and Mike Keyak, both trustees with the Marine Corps League Howling Mad Detachment.

"We want to thank you for what you did. ... We only give this award to special people. And you're very special," Wilkinson said.

Wilkinson said Riley is the youngest person to ever receive the recognition.

The presentation included a framed etching of the flag raising at the battle of Iwo Jima, a Toys for Tots pin and challenger coin.

"Thank you," Riley Mikula told the men.

The Toys for Tots program, which is sponsored by the Marine Corps Reserve, has been conducted since 1947, Wilkinson said.

Last year 1,825 youngsters in Lake County alone received gifts through the program, he said.

Riley will be donating toys again next year, Tianna Mikula said.

"We've already started collecting money to buy toys to donate next Christmas," she said.

Although his parents helped him in his endeavor, the idea to help other less fortunate children was his, the Mikulas said.

She said she wants him to do something each year so he understands not all children have everything they need like him.

Riley initially wanted to just donate his old toys, but then agreed that it would be better to sell them and buy new toys, she said.

Tianna Mikula said she ended up raising about $150 from the sold toys by using a website geared for selling children's toys and clothing.