Some Barrow County kids might not get holiday presents this year because the continued bleak economic conditions have resulted in a greater than ever need for toys and gifts, while donations are at an alltime low.
“We raised $11,000 last year to supplement toy donations made by Toys for Tots,” said long-time program coordinator Michelle Walker. “Due to increased needs, our goal this year was to raise $15,000, but we’re off to a slow start.”
For the past 11 years, Barrow County Holiday Connection has been a volunteer-based cooperative effort between local schools, churches, the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFACS) and Family Connection/ Communities in Schools. The goal is to ensure that children who might otherwise slip through the cracks during the holidays receive gifts. Last year more than 2,300 local children were served.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Toys for Tots donates toys each year and funds raised locally are used to supplement those donations and provide gifts for older children. Families apply for assistance and are screened by representatives of the participating agencies. Some families are “adopted” by individuals, groups, businesses or churches. Families that aren’t “adopted” are invited to “shop” at a “store” stocked with donated gifts.
“It’s a wonderful program and a great volunteer opportunity,” Walker said. “My son has helped me run the ‘store’ for years and even though it seems like every year our family gets a little busier, we can’t imagine not being involved.”
Walker said she is always touched by some of the stories she hears. One young woman had to drop out of college to care for her four siblings when her mother died unexpectedly.
“This poor girl was waitressing, trying to make ends meet,” Walker said. “There is no way Christmas presents were in her budget, but she was able to ‘shop’ at the ‘store’ and that made all the difference.”
Another woman raising five grandchildren was struggling to pay her basic bills, Walker said. She was so thankful to be able to “shop” at the Holiday Connection ”store” that she cried.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Donations of new toys for children 0-18 are needed, as are financial contributions. There are a variety of families to “adopt” and volunteers are always needed to help sort toys and staff the “store.” All donations are tax deductible. .
For more information or to volunteer, call Michelle Walker, 770-868-4258.
Checks made payable to Barrow County Family Connections/CIS can be sent to PO Box 278, Winder, GA, 30680. To donate toys, call 678-227-3741 to arrange for pick-up or drop-off.
