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Community rescues Christmas for needy children

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By Kelly Mori, Staff Writer Updated 5:40 PM Monday, December 14, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Clark County residents, including one individual who donated $5,000, have once again come to the aid of the Salvation Army Toy for Kids drive.

On Dec. 11, the local agency’s leader, Capt. Stephen Carroll, reported that the drive did not yield sufficient number of items to cover the increased demand for toys this year, leaving the agency wondering how it was going to provide gifts for the 4,000 children whose parents had applied for help.

The answer came with a steady stream of generosity, including the one surprising private donation.

“The day after (the announcement) we had people at our door the whole day, handing us checks and toys,” Carroll said. “It went on for two days straight and they are still bringing toys and checks in.”

Then came the offer that left Carroll speechless.

“This person called and asked me how much money would fix the problem,” he said. “I didn’t know how to answer that. (The donor, who asked not to be identified) said, ‘how about I just write you a check for $5,000?’”

The money was used to buy mostly MP3 players for teens — the age group that had received the least amount of donations.

Another man told Carroll he read that the toy drive did not receive as many bikes as the previous year.

“So he went over to Walmart and bought a new bike and brought it to us,” Carroll said.

Three years ago the Army received a similar response when a trailer full of toys was stolen just before Christmas. Just like this year, the community made sure no child was left wanting.

“It looks like we’re going to do fine — thanks to the generosity of people in Springfield and Clark County,” he said. “We’re just so grateful.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0347 or kmori@coxohio.com.

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