A toy drive this weekend will honor the memory of a long-time, well known Salina Realtor who founded it, and who passed away earlier this week.

66-year-old David Antrim was diagnosed back in October with a rare brain disease. He passed away Monday at his home in Kansas City, Missouri.

Antrim was the owner and broker for Coldwell Banker, Antrim, Piper-Wenger Realtors for nearly 30 years in Salina. In 2009 he retired and sold the company to the current broker/owner, Mary Kindlesparger. The company retained the name Antrim, Piper-Wenger because it was such a respected legacy.

In 1996 Antrim was on the board at the Salvation Army. He saw their need for their Christmas Toys for Tots program and started

at Coldwell Banker. Toys From the Heart has evolved into an enormous annual project that now serves The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and St. Francis Community Services.

Over the years, Great Plains and they have adopted St. Francis as their only recipient. The real estate office continues to generate toys for Salvation Army and Catholic Charities.

Annually, they have typically raised money exceeding $30,000 for these organizations and serving children not just in Salina but all over Kansas.

This all started because of Antrim’s enormous heart for giving.

According to the Salina real estate agency that still bears his name, “we are all saddened by his death this past week. He has been away from our office for over 7 years enjoying retirement and grandkids in Kansas City. But, he will always be a part of our office and what we are all about. We continue today with Dave’s giving spirit by continuing the tradition of Toys from the Heart and each agent and staff member do all we can to give back to our community.”

A memorial service for Antrim is this Saturday in Kansas City. At the same time,in Salina, a Christmas for Kids Toy drive  is planned in his memory. The event will be at Target in Salina from noon – 2pm. Donations of toys and clothing will be accepted for St Francis kids.