Donations needed for Christmas programs
The local Toys for Tots annual campaign got underway last week and members of Albany High School’s National Honor Society joined coordinator Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty to prepare and serve the annual fundraising luncheon on Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Youth Center.
“We had around $600 contributed at the meal, which is less than what was given last year,” Beaty said. “However, we did have some toys donated at the event. Overall, the meal was a success, since the food was donated by the NHS members and area grocery stores, so everything that was raised can be applied to the program.”
Beaty fixed five briskets and three roasts for the pulled pork, while the Albany NHS students supplied the side dishes and desserts for the fundraiser.
The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
“The patrons that came to the meal were very generous,” Beaty said. “But with all the activities that take place this time of year, our numbers and collections were down from previous years. We had some meat left over, and I am hoping to sell that, perhaps in front of Walmart, to raise some more funds.”
The barbecue meal is the local program’s main money raiser, and donations of toys and money are also collected at AHS and various Albany businesses.
“Big toy collection boxes are at the high school and Dollar General,” Beaty said. “Money collection containers are at Vintage Vanilla, Minit Mart, and Prairie Star. So even if you couldn’t attend the meal, you can still contribute to Toys for Tots.”
Other businesses that want to join in the campaign can call Beaty at 254-212-9684 and he will bring them a donation box.
“Donated toys are sorted by appropriate age and gender,” Beaty said. “Then we use the donated money to purchase additional gifts. Because my vendors sell me a lot of toys at their costs, the money goes a long way.”
The local program works through the Resource Center to provide gifts to Shackelford County children ages zero to 11. Last year Toys for Tots provided gifts for 71 underprivileged Albany children from infants through sixth graders.
“All of the money raised in Albany is used in Albany,” Beaty added.
Applications For Toys
Application forms are available at the front desk of the Resource Center for those in need of assistance from the program. The completed applications must be turned in to ResourceCare by Friday, Nov. 30.
Beaty is given the wish list on Dec. 1, so he has time to go through the list and purchase toys as needed. The gifts should be available for parents to pick up from ResourceCare on Wednesday, Dec. 12, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Adopt A Senior
ResourceCare also coordinates the Adopt a Senior program, and is asking for volunteers to contribute practical gifts to the people served by the local Vittles By Vehicle program.
“We have 37 seniors that need adopting this holiday season,” program assistant Ragan Riley said. “If someone would like to adopt one of our seniors, please call me at ResourceCare at 325-762-2447 ext. 101.”
Sponsors typically supply their adopted senior with practical gifts such as cleaning supplies, bed sheets, and towels. The seniors each fill out a wish list in November, so the sponsors can meet their particular needs.
Any individuals, businesses, or churches willing to sponsor senior citizens this holiday season should call Riley by Friday, Dec. 7, and the gifts for the program should be dropped of at the Resource Center by Wednesday, Dec. 19.
“We will be delivering gifts to the seniors with their VBV meal on Friday, Dec. 21,” Riley said.
