Toy donations spread Christmas cheer
By Melissa Brownrigg
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mbrownrigg@osceolaiowa.com
For 40 years, Clarke County residents have been making Christmas a little better for some local children.
Toys for Christmas program encompasses the giving spirit. From the very beginning, the project has been a community endeavor.
Local attorney, Larry Van Werden started the program in 1969 when he realized that not every child would receive Christmas presents. Chamber of Commerce gave Van Werden $500 to get the program off the ground.
Since then, local individuals, organizations or businesses make the program happen through donations. Coordinator and treasurer Dianne Riley said the program relies solely on these community donations.
“It is funded totally with cash donations, donated toys and clothing,” she said. “There are no federal or state dollars spent on this program.”
In addition to donating, volunteers can help wrap, purchase and distribute gifts or adopt a family.
Riley said the current economic situation could impact the program.
“We are expecting the number to grow this year with the added economic strain for families,” Riley said. “But other folks are having trouble, too. We’re caught between trying to help more families and those families who are having difficulties as well and won’t be able to donate as much.”
Already, 125 families have applied to the program, which is nearly the same amount Toys for Christmas served last year, Riley said.
It was almost like Christmas for Riley when she learned one area business nearly tripled the amount the program had raised in the few weeks since they started. Osceola Pamida donated $1,500, bringing the grand total to $2,305.
The total last year came to $10,997 and presents were bought for 339 children in 138 families. Coordinators are hoping the donations will increase to $15,000 this year.
“The number of families needing help is going up and prices on items are going up, so consequently we will need more money,” she said. “If we could get $15,000, that would be wonderful.”
Riley said some perks might have to be cut if they don’t raise enough money.
“We always give a grocery certificate to the families we help,” she said. “It’s not very much – $15 or $20, but it helps a little. We’ll probably have to cut that out if we don’t get enough donations.”
The program is organized through the local Community Center at 114 S. Fillmore St. Toys and other donations can be dropped off at the center. Qualified families should apply at the center.
Gifts will be distributed Dec. 17 and Dec. 18.
Toys for Christmas program would like to thank the following donors for their contributions. Donations will be taken through December. Donations will also be accepted at the lighted Christmas parade on Dec. 6.
Dorothy Jeffries, Mike Boldon, Don Nievius, Lions Club, Eileen Boldon, Research Club, Lacy, Katie and Jesi Johnson, Lula and Ron Gonseth, Monte and Janie McCall, Osceola United Methodist Church, Bev Edwards, The Village, Aiden and Lisa Wallace, Dr. Jim and Mary Ellen Kimball, Memorial for Bill Carroll, Weldon Mainstreeters, Clarke Area Arts Council, anonymous, American State Bank employees, Julie Leonard family, Ronda Wishon and Mueller families, Clarke County Hospital employees, Terribles Management Team, Terribles Casino, Knights of Columbus, Fareway Grocery Store, Hormel, Jim Schipper family, Donna Stubbs family, Bill Short Family, Area 14 Education Agency employees, Trivent Financial for Lutherans, Optimist Club, Community Partnerships for Protecting Children, Leslie Auxilary, Todd Thompson Family, Girl Scouts/Lori Helgevold, Clarke Student Council, St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Christian Church, Pamida
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