The Island of Misfit Toys is the perfect metaphor for exactly how the Ohio Valley functions, that people (or toys) can accomplish great things despite their differences especially when they work together. We love our community and could not do what we do without our neighbors continued support.
The United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley was honored to be the Grand Marshal in the 2024 Weirton Christmas Parade, held on November 30th! It was an unforgettable day for our team, and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off the holiday season!
“The Island of Misfit Toys”
One of the highlights of the event was the debut of our float, “The Island of Misfit Toys.” This creative and engaging float truly captured the spirit of the holidays, bringing a sense of nostalgia and joy to all who attended. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the creation and success of the float. The dedication, time, and effort from our staff and those who contributed their time were integral to bringing our vision to life.
A special thank you goes out to Rick Rekowski of the Mary H. Weir Public Library, and Outstanding Volunteer of the year, Kristen Judy. These dedicated individuals endured the cold with us to help design, build, and decorate the float, ensuring every detail was perfect. We also want to express our gratitude to our community partner and board member, Brandon Palmeri, who provided the resources and support needed to make this debut such a memorable one. Your commitment to making a difference in the Upper Ohio Valley is truly inspiring.
The support from the community, local businesses, and the many individuals who made this event possible highlights the power of unity and collaboration. We are so grateful for everyone who helped bring “The Island of Misfit Toys” to life and made our Grand Marshal experience a day to remember. We look forward to continuing our mission to make a positive impact in the Upper Ohio Valley, and we are excited for our future endeavors serving Brooke and Hancock counties. Thank you again for your unwavering support!
Learn more about the parade: