Christmas on Greenville Avenue 2009 collects 1,400 toys

Despite a slow start and bad economy, Christmas on Greenville Avenue 2009 was still a success. More than 1,400 toys were collected by area restaurants and businesses for Santa's Helpers 2009.

And Santa's Helpers was able exceed its goals, with enough left over to give toys to other local gift programs.

Here's a list of the top collection sites on Greenville Avenue.

GARA Member

#1 - San Francisco Rose - 368

#2 - Snuffer's - 185

Kudos to National Sports Lounge and John's Cafe (50 each), Greenville Bar & Grille / Hurricane Bar & Grill (35), and Ben E. Keith Beverages (Employee Christmas Party) for 100 toys

Restaurant non-member

#1 - i Fratelli's Pizza - 137

#2 - Desperados - 46

Kudos to Service Bar - 34

Business supporters

#1 - Live Hair Group - 65 (also winner of Best Decorated Collection Center - Toys were inside a fishing net hung from the ceiling - see pics)

Schools

#1 - Woodrow Wilson HS Wildcats Band - 140

#2 - Stonewall Jackson Elementary PTA - 110