Each year, Christmas for hundreds of families is a little brighter thanks to the help from the local Toys for Kids program, and this year’s program registration is now underway and will continue through December 8th.
Founder, Wanda Thacker Martin and her staff of many volunteers at Toys for Kids help make it possible for some area kids to receive Christmas gifts who otherwise would not get any toys. Families who can provide some Christmas to their children with gifts of necessity, such as clothing and shoes, rely on the program for the extra gifts such as toys.
“Some families can buy things and choose to buy the necessities and we are here for the other things,” stated Martin.
In the first day alone, Martin reported that 123 registrations were received. Each year more than 600 register for the program. Registration is currently open from 8:00am-5:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through November 17th and will continue through December 8th with different hours which will be announced soon.
Families needing assistance should bring their child’s social security cards and the parent’s personal identification.
Martin described the program and how volunteers make it possible as they sort the donations, stock the shelves, help families shop for toys for their children and even wrap the gifts before they leave the building. According to Martin, everything is carefully organized and orchestrated, even the parking, because of the number of people who are involved in the program and the limited time volunteers have to serve them.
“It’s such a celebration,” said Martin. “The entire season is worked by volunteers–with no income received by any volunteers or program directors.”
The public is invited to support the children of the community by bringing a toy or monetary donation by the Grand Starz Hall located at 2323 Belle Plain (current hours are 8am-5pm Tuesday-Thursday, but will expand soon). Other drop-off locations are Fire Stations 1 & 2 in Brownwood. Donations may also be mailed to P.O. Box 912, Brownwood, TX 76804.
In the past Martin said many organizations and clubs have donated and volunteered their time such as students who need service hours and civic organizations.
A few events benefiting Toys for Kids are already being planned. According to Martin, the Christian Motorcycle Club will travel as a group from Wal-Mart to Toys for Kids, making their donation on Saturday, November 12th and a Zumba class will be held that will raise donations of toys on December 1st.
Toy Distribution Day is scheduled for December 17th and will begin around 8:00am. Each child receives three toys through the program. Martin explained that distribution day is a busy day. When families register, they are assigned a 30 minute shopping appointment on distribution day and that there are volunteers to help parents select gifts for their children.
“Every 30 minutes we have 30-50 parents shopping for their children,” said Martin. “Our volunteers help the families select appropriate gifts if they need.”
Martin explained that for some children who usually don’t receive gifts for Christmas, their parents have trouble selecting items because these children don’t make a wish list for Christmas.
Consider making a donation to Toys for Kids this year. Each year the numbers grow and this year is expected to be no exception. For more information, or to volunteer, call 325-646-6822.
