Paul O’Keefe to Lead 13th Annual Toys for Tots Convoy

Saratoga County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Brown announced Nov. 9 that Korean War veteran Paul O’Keefe will serve as the grand marshal once again for the 13th annual Toys for Tots Convoy. 

O’Keefe was drafted into the U.S. Army and attended basic training at Camp Atterbury in Indiana, followed by special training at Camp Haugen in Tokyo, Japan. He served with the 24th Infantry Division in Korea. 

After his military service, O’Keefe served as a firefighter in Mechanicville and Hemstreet Park for 65 years and as chaplain for the latter for 56 years. He also served as chaplain for the American Legion Post 91 and the Saratoga County Deceased Veterans monthly ceremony. As past president of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, he pushed a wheelbarrow from Mechanicville City Hall to Albany City Hall three times, raising thousands of dollars for the cause. 

O’Keefe has been widowed twice, both times due to cancer, and participated in Mechanicville’s cancer march for many years. He worked as a laboratory technician at General Electric Silicones, retiring after 33 years. 

“There really isn’t anybody who defines service to their community and country better than Paul O’Keefe,” Brown said. “It’s a privilege and an honor to welcome him again this year.” 

The convoy is slated for Nov. 15. Lineup begins at 10 a.m. at the Ballston Spa High School campus at 220 Ballston Ave. in Ballston Spa, followed by a short convoy to Saratoga Performing Arts Center at 11 a.m. Donations will be handed over to Capital Region Toys for Tots for distribution this holiday season.