March 28, 2024

Perfect presents

Clarke County’s Toys for Christmas helps community during this year’s holiday season

To give is to receive.

That’s an important message from Clarke County’s Toys for Christmas program — the greatest gift is to give to those in need.

“We’re very, very fortunate to live in this county. I always say that,” said Dianne Riley with Toys for Christmas.

Toys for Christmas first began in 1969 by Larry Van Werden, a local attorney who realized there were children who would not be having any Christmas presents.

Since then, volunteers have organized and made the program an annual activity. Families who might need help with Christmas are identified by local organizations working together to have one program countywide. The program has no administrative costs.

Giving back

Riley said letters with applications were sent out to families that might be in need this holiday season. Families may decide if they wish to participate. Children in the family need to be less than 16 years old.

Each child will receive two items of clothing and two toys. Each family will receive a ham from Osceola Foods. There will also be food vouchers for families.

So far, there have been 100 applicants, but that number could rise to 150.

Churches, organizations and individuals donate cash or new toys and clothes for the program. They also adopt families and purchase the gifts for the children.

“More folks have asked to adopt families this year, which is good,” Riley said.

How to help

If people want to donate to Toys for Christmas, they may donate cash, new toys and new items of clothing.

Donations may be brought to the community center, which is located in Osceola Senior Center on the north side of the building. The donation period goes throughout December.

The program encourages volunteers to help wrap gifts, and wrapping started this week.

If people are wanting to volunteer, they should call the community center or Riley at 641-342-4681. This is to make sure wrapping is scheduled at a certain time.

The distribution dates for the gifts are Dec. 17 and 18.

“We’re just so lucky to have so many people who are generous,” Riley said.