Collections continue for Toys for Tots
By Sam Waller
With the Albany Lion football playoff game changed to Saturday, Nov. 26, the annual Toys for Tots meal during Small Town Saturday had a smaller than expected crowd but still did good business, Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty said.
Assisted by four Moran National Honor Society students, Beaty again provided chopped barbecue sandwiches before the start of the Lighted Christmas Parade.
“It was not as big a crowd because a lot of people were at the game, which I understand,” Beaty said. “But it wasn’t too bad. We raised a few hundred dollars.”
Beaty said he will have another chance at the Breckenridge Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 10. Beaty said he will set up on the Stephens County Courthouse lawn for that event.
Beaty appreciated the help the Moran students provided.
“They did a good job,” he said. “This was the first time they’ve ever done anything with Toys for Tots.”
Beaty said several parade-goers made donations without claiming a sandwich.
“A lot of people came by,” he said. “Some of them made a donation and got a sandwich; some just made a donation. I just want to say thank you to everyone who came by and gave.”
Contributions can still be made to Toys for Tots. Dropoff boxes for toys are located at Albany Junior/Senior High and Dollar General, while monetary donations may be made at Prairie Star.
Beaty said he has spent approximately $4,000 so far on toys this year.
“I’ve got all that in,” he said. “Now I’m just trying to collect more so in case I need something, I can run and buy locally.”
Beaty said his biggest needs are toys for children age 8 and older.
“I get a lot of little kids stuff,” he said. “I just don’t have enough for the ones a little bit older.”
ResourceCare provides Beaty with the ages and genders of children registered for the program.
The toys will be available for parents to pick up from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 at the Youth Center.
Other Projects
ResourceCare is continuing efforts with its Adopt A Senior program and other holiday outreach projects.
ResourceCare still needs individuals who would be willing to adopt a senior citizen and fulfill their wish lists.
ResourceCare’s Ragan Riley said those unable to adopt a senior but would still wanting to help can purchase Brookshire’s gift cards so seniors can buy perishable items such as meat, cheese, bread, and milk.
Riley said items such as unscented lotions and soaps, paper towels, and toilet paper are needed.
Gifts, which need to be unwrapped, should be dropped off at the Youth Center by Friday, Dec. 2 so they can be sorted and wrapped.
Gifts will be delivered with the Vittles by Vehicle meals by FCCLA students the week of Christmas.
To adopt a senior citizen, contact Riley at 325-762-2447, ext. 102.
Additional Needs
Riley said Resource Care still needs donations for all its Christmas outreach programs. Items sought include blankets, hygiene products (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, shampoo, etc.), and paper products (paper plates, plastic cups, plasticware, paper towels, etc.).
Monetary donations are also welcome, Riley said.
Blanket Drive
Shackelford County 4-H members are collecting blankets for senior citizens and other families in the community.
Anyone wishing to donate a blanket or funds can contact Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell at 325-762-9435.
