Short Takes : Bolton Rounds Up Toys for Needy

Pop-star Michael Bolton didn’t sing, but he thrilled a crowd planning a local charity event when he showed up with a load of toys for needy children.

The Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter was greeted with cheers and screams from an audience of about 500 Sunday at an event to recruit volunteers for the sixth annual “We Are the Children Christmas Party” organized by WTIC-FM disc jockey Gary Craig.

Bolton, a New Haven native, won a 1989 Grammy award for best pop vocal album and has written songs for Barbra Streisand, Laura Branigan and Conway Twitty.

Bolton spoke briefly, praising the volunteers and those who donated toys as the price of admission to see him. He answered questions from the audience, signed autographs and had his picture taken with a long line of fans.