Woodland couple honored by CHP
A Woodland couple have been recognized by the California Highway Patrol for almost a decade of delivering toys to the agency’s CHiPs For Kids Toy Drive.
Connie and Howell Hoy have lived in Woodland since 2000 and have a combined four children, all grown, according to Cindy Leal, a spokeswoman for the Woodland area CHP.
“Connie grew up in a very poor family, but always felt fortunate,” Leal reported. “Howell grew up in a military family. Connie indicated she thought they both came from very giving and generous families.
Connie is a a medical laser quality manager, and Howell is a superintendent for a roofing company.
Prior to moving to Woodland Connie lived in Albuquerque, N.M., where she raised her children. She said instead of buying a lot of gifts for the kids, they went to the mall and picked names off of the Giving Tree.
After a while, the year effort became a family tradition, which continued after her three daughters moved out, and the couple came to California with their son.
“Once they got to California, the three of them went to the mall in search of the Giving Tree, but could not find one,” Leal reported. “Connie said they asked around and ended up giving to Loaves and Fishes for two years before they heard about the CHiPs For Kids Toy Drive. This is the eighth year they have donated.”
Their continuing effort was recognized last Thursday when Capt. Dale Cannon, commander of the Woodland CHP office, presented the Hoys with a Certificate of Appreciation award for their support of the CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive.
This year the couple donated more than 150 toys, including eight bicycles and helmets, several Nintendo Wii games, several Nintendo DS Lite games and a wide range of other toys.