Board Members
Angie D'Aleo Morelli
Executive Director
Angie has always believed in the power of giving back. “Every child deserves to feel seen, loved, and celebrated,” she often says, a principle that has guided her work at Angie’s Toy Chest.
As Executive Director, Angie has spearheaded efforts to bring joy to children and families in need, particularly through the holiday season.
Her passion for helping others began as a small personal mission but quickly grew into a community-driven effort. “It’s not just about toys; it’s about hope and happiness,” Angie shares.
Thanks to her leadership, the organization has become known for its exceptional outreach, including providing new bicycles, toys, and other essentials to thousands of children.
Angie’s enthusiasm and heart continue to inspire everyone around her. She credits the success of Angie’s Toy Chest to the generosity of donors, volunteers, and her unwavering belief that together, we can make a difference.
“When we come together for a cause, miracles happen,” Angie says.
Brandon Fromm
Managing Director
I have been self-employed for 22 years, owning a landscape company that serves the tri-county area. I also own a Christmas lighting company, Creation of Christmas. My passion is Christmas decorating and lighting—it brings me so much joy to see my customers happy during the holiday season. Nothing compares to seeing a child’s face light up with excitement or receiving compliments on my displays. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, boating, and golfing.
I grew up in St. Clair Shores and attended South Lake High School. Twenty years ago, I moved to Fraser, where I’ve been ever since. I’m single, but the love of my life is my niece Adrianna—she brings me more joy than anything else in the world.
I’m thrilled to help bring Angie’s Toy Chest back. Angie has been a dear friend for years, and I’ve always admired her dedication to helping children. The idea of putting a smile on just one child’s face is enough for me, but I’m incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to bring that joy to hundreds.
Christmas has always been a special time for my family, and being part of this organization allows me to carry on that tradition. Life has been good to me, and now it’s my turn to give back to the children and community I love.
Pamela Linville
Sgt. Major David Auwen USMC Ret.
Pamela Linville
Secretary
Pamela is an attorney for the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission. She began her work for Angie’s Toy Chest in 2016 when her husband, Paul, was a board member. She renewed her dedication to the charity in 2023, and now is honored to serve as Secretary on the board.
Peter Bernadich
Sgt. Major David Auwen USMC Ret.
Pamela Linville
Treasurer
Sgt. Major David Auwen USMC Ret.
Sgt. Major David Auwen USMC Ret.
Sgt. Major David Auwen USMC Ret.
Board Member
SgtMaj David Auwen, USMCR (Ret.) served 22 years in the Marine Corps, both active and reserve. As a Sergeant and Staff Sergeant, he deployed twice to Iraq during the initial invasion in 2003 and Operation Vigilant Resolve in 2004. After leaving active duty in 2008, David worked with the Department of Homeland Security as Dire
Board Member
SgtMaj David Auwen, USMCR (Ret.) served 22 years in the Marine Corps, both active and reserve. As a Sergeant and Staff Sergeant, he deployed twice to Iraq during the initial invasion in 2003 and Operation Vigilant Resolve in 2004. After leaving active duty in 2008, David worked with the Department of Homeland Security as Director of a joint intelligence team at Selfridge ANG Base. He retired from federal service in 2019 and transitioned to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy Sheriff.
David’s military decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2 awards). He also received the 2012 DHS Intelligence Leadership Award.
David’s connection to Toys for Tots began in his youth as a volunteer with the Young Marines, sorting and counting toys. He continued supporting the program throughout his Marine Corps career, especially after returning to the reserves in 2008. His involvement with Angie’s Toy Chest began when he attended one of their events, which he described as one of the finest Toys for Tots efforts, particularly for its generosity in providing new bicycles to children. David was honored to join the Board of Directors and is excited to help reinvigorate the organization and its mission.
Phyllis Ameel
Phyllis Ameel
Phyllis Ameel
Board Member
I am retired and what better to do than charity, especially for children. They don't have a choice but we do as adults. I love kids and what could be more satisfying than putting smiles on their faces. I work with kids everyday at Huron Elementary.
I've been married for 50 years and have two beautiful adult children and a wo
Board Member
I am retired and what better to do than charity, especially for children. They don't have a choice but we do as adults. I love kids and what could be more satisfying than putting smiles on their faces. I work with kids everyday at Huron Elementary.
I've been married for 50 years and have two beautiful adult children and a wonderful husband. My most vauled possesion is our granddaughter. In life it is so much better to give then to receive.
Steve Cole
Phyllis Ameel
Phyllis Ameel
Board Member
I have been a realtor for 45 + years following in my Marine Fathers steps. Angie was the mortgage originator, I would send my clients to. If you know Angie the way I do when she told me she was starting a charity that was part of the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots program I felt it would be a great charity to get involved wit
Board Member
I have been a realtor for 45 + years following in my Marine Fathers steps. Angie was the mortgage originator, I would send my clients to. If you know Angie the way I do when she told me she was starting a charity that was part of the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots program I felt it would be a great charity to get involved with because of my Father's service. Then I was told I would be a member of her board. No body says no to her! That was 30 years ago and I am still honored to be apart of her team, she gives all she has to this cause, her dedication is amazing to make sure "Every Child Deserves a Little Christmas" become a reality.
Semper Fi
Michael Dubay
Phyllis Ameel
Michael Dubay
Board Member
Mike DuBay (1st year Board member)
I am currently retired from GE Supply/Gexpro, after being employed there for over 28 years. I have two children and five
grandchildren; two more children and four grandchildren with my significant other.
I have a passion for organizing fundraisers, musical events, and have for the past 20 years.
Board Member
Mike DuBay (1st year Board member)
I am currently retired from GE Supply/Gexpro, after being employed there for over 28 years. I have two children and five
grandchildren; two more children and four grandchildren with my significant other.
I have a passion for organizing fundraisers, musical events, and have for the past 20 years. This includes Leader Dog,
Wounded Warrior, Physically Challenged children and now Toys for Tots. I‘ve been involved with various 501(c)3 and 501(c)
8 organizations such as the Elks, Eagles, Lions, Moose and currently Angie‘s Toy Chest.
It is my belief that these organizations are such an integral piece of our society, as there are so many who can benefit.
Elizabeth Gallagher
Elizabeth Gallagher
Elizabeth Gallagher
Board Member
Elizabeth just joined the board this year. As our youngest board member, Elizabeth is excited to bring her ideas to Toys for Tots. In addition to getting more involved in the community, Elizabeth just graduated from Wayne State University Law School. She is eager and happy to be a part of such an amazing organization.
Paul Linville
Elizabeth Gallagher
Elizabeth Gallagher
Board Member
Paul is a realtor/broker with Berkshire Hathaway. He became involved with Angie’s Toy Chest many years ago and remains a devoted board member. He and his wife, Pamela, renewed their dedication to the charity in 2023.
Tania LaLonde
Elizabeth Gallagher
Tania LaLonde
Board Member
Tania LaLonde, Owner of Summit Place-LaLonde Automotive
Tania LaLonde is a respected figure in the automotive industry, known for her remarkable achievements as the Owner of the Summit Place- LaLonde Automotive Group. She operates several Dealerships in Michigan, specifically Summit Place Kia in Auburn Hills, Summit Place Kia
Board Member
Tania LaLonde, Owner of Summit Place-LaLonde Automotive
Tania LaLonde is a respected figure in the automotive industry, known for her remarkable achievements as the Owner of the Summit Place- LaLonde Automotive Group. She operates several Dealerships in Michigan, specifically Summit Place Kia in Auburn Hills, Summit Place Kia East in Clinton Township, and LaLonde Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Imlay City. Her journey in the automotive world has been marked by dedication, commitment, and a passion for providing exceptional service to her valued customers.
Lee Mierzwinski
Michael Zapytowski
Michael Zapytowski
Board Member
My name is Lee (Leona) Mierzwinski living in Macomb County for many, many years. Work Experience was with Plante & Moran (an accounting firm) for over 30 years. I retired in 2014 and am enjoying every minute.
Charitable involvement has been with many volunteer organizations, namely P&M “We Care” program, Knights of Columbus,
Board Member
My name is Lee (Leona) Mierzwinski living in Macomb County for many, many years. Work Experience was with Plante & Moran (an accounting firm) for over 30 years. I retired in 2014 and am enjoying every minute.
Charitable involvement has been with many volunteer organizations, namely P&M “We Care” program, Knights of Columbus, St. Hubert Church, St. Matthias Church Bingo & Festival, St. Lawrence Festival, American Polish Century Club, Boys & Girls Club, Detroit Zoo, Breast Cancer 60 mile walk, Diabetes Organization (in memory of my MOM), ALS Association & Muscular Dystrophy Association (in memory of my DAD) and many more.
Have had the pleasure of volunteering with Angie’s Toy Chest almost from the beginning. We celebrated 25 years in 2018.
We are excited to relaunch this Amazing, Fantastic Toys for Tots event after a hiatus of 5 years. Thank you for you generosity, your support and your participation.
Michael Zapytowski
Michael Zapytowski
Michael Zapytowski
Board Member
Michael enlisted in 1990 to serve the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR). His roles included Military Police, Embarkation & Logistics Specialist, Nuclear, Biological, Chemical & Radiological (NBCR) Weapons training NCO and Career Planning NCO during the Gulf War era. He served 8 years until he was honorably discharged in 1998
Board Member
Michael enlisted in 1990 to serve the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR). His roles included Military Police, Embarkation & Logistics Specialist, Nuclear, Biological, Chemical & Radiological (NBCR) Weapons training NCO and Career Planning NCO during the Gulf War era. He served 8 years until he was honorably discharged in 1998. As a civilian, his service continued as a liaison between active-duty USMC personnel, public safety government (LEO) & charitable 501c (3) organizations for the annual USMCR Toys for Tots campaign and in 2023 is entering his 32nd year serving in this capacity. He is known for coordinating safe helicopter landings of Santa to many events in SE MI including Angies Toys Chest. He is proud to assist Angie as she is one of only 2 people that he personally knows of who have received the USMC Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal presented to her by the USMC for her extensive volunteer service.
Michael has over 19 years of professional experience working for U.S. & International corporations as a Senior Account Manager and Sales Engineer in the Automotive, Defense, and Specialty Vehicle sectors. This experience covered complete product lifecycle and sales management for some of the world’s largest corporations and included NATO Foreign Military Sales. In 2018, he reentered Federal Service and currently serves as a Federal Law Enforcement officer in area of Trade.
Jodi Sqroi
Jack Giacalone
Jack Giacalone
Board Member
My name is Jodi Sgroi I’m currently a Sales Executive Assistant at an automotive company called KUKA Systems I have been there for 10 years.
I’m a hard-working and reliable, enthusiastic person what I say I’m going to do I do because I believe your word is everything in life.
I’m excited to join Angie’s Toy Chest and donate my time where needed.
Jack Giacalone
Jack Giacalone
Jack Giacalone
Board Member
I have been with GCH Machinery for more than 20 years where I specialize in marketing and online sales.
This coming year will be my 3rd year working with Angie's Toy Chest but my first as a board member.
I'm excited to contribute my experience and my time to support this amazing cause that helps provide support to the cause.