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Toys for Kids distribution begins

Photos: Salvation Army's Toys for Kids

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By Samantha Sommer, Staff Writer Updated 7:42 PM Monday, December 21, 2009

Denice Weston was worried about providing her children with Christmas presents.

She has a job, but needed extra help for gifts, so the single mom turned to the Salvation Army’s Toys for Kids program. Weston was grateful for their assistance as she picked up the gifts on Monday morning, Dec. 21.

“I explained to them that times is hard and I’ll do my best,” she said. “But our main thing is we’re together at Christmas, we’ll have something to eat at Christmas and we have a place to stay for Christmas. So they know the meaning of Christmas.”

Weston joined about 280 families at the Salvation Army offices Monday to pick up gifts as the agency started its Toys for Kids distribution.

About 1,000 families have signed up to receive Christmas gifts for 3,000 to 4,000 children, said Capt. Delia Carroll of the Salvation Army. The toys will be passed out in the next few days.

Families received two gifts per child, a board game, a stuffed animal, hats and mittens, stocking stuffers and could pick out used items.

“We try to help those who are less fortunate,” Carroll said. “Especially this year with the economy so bad, there are many families coming to us for the first time, in tears.”

Jeanne Hood came to pick up gifts for her three daughters. She has a job but has had her days cut and was concerned about Christmas presents.

“I can’t believe they have all this nice stuff,” Hood said. “I really didn’t expect to get this much, so I’m really happy and very grateful. I know my kids are going to be excited.”

The Salvation Army will continue to accept donations of toys or cash.

Donations can be taken to its center, 15 S. Plum St., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.

Infant toys and gifts for teens are still needed.

Weston donates to the Salvation Army when she gets her tax return every year to give something back.

“It warms my heart to know there’s people out here who really care,” she said.

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I know two of the ladies in one of the pics and they did not need toys for the child they were getting them for! For one this child is two years old and already has every toy you can think of, and for two the ladies have already bought her enough toys for three children!!! I just know that i am blessed to be able to provide for my children and i feel so hurt to know that there are really people who HONESTLY need help and they are the ones who cant get it! Shame on the people who are greedy!!!

selfish selfish people
3:02 PM, 12/22/2009

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The people who complain on here are never the ones who actually give to charity. But they are mad at the world because they wish someone would give them handouts. Be happy that you can provide for yourself and your family and that you are responsible member of society and quit worrying that some kid whose mom has a designer purse got a $15 toy.

Tony
1:19 PM, 12/22/2009

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First of all ...where are the tattoos and where are the designer handbags. I know expensive purses and didn't see any in those pics. If we all judged every little thing about the people or organizations we gave money to, we would never give to charity. Yes, many people have no business getting handouts. However, it is impossible to only give to the truly needy and your idea of needy might not match mine. It is Christmas and maybe we should let go of the hate for a few days.

Ann
1:09 PM, 12/22/2009

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Looks like they can all afford tattoos, just not toys...

tattoo
12:35 PM, 12/22/2009

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John I totally agree with you regarding Bridges out of Poverty. The Think Tank sponsors trainings here on a regular basis. Get involved and become an alli. The poor are just trying to make it day by day. They are present oriented not future oriented. Its kind of hard focusing on future goals and aspirations when you are wondering how you are going to feed your kids and keep the utilities on.

Just Me
10:43 AM, 12/22/2009

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