Toys for Tots meal planned at Bank Park
By Sam Waller
The local Toys for Tots campaign will again offer barbecue sandwiches during Small Town Saturday on Nov. 26.
Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty, who coordinates the toy drive in Shackelford County, will be assisted by members of the Moran National Honor Society. Beaty said serving will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Bank Park before the start of the Lighted Christmas Parade. In case of inclement weather, the serving line will be set up at The Albany News’ covered parking area.
The meals will include a chopped barbecue sandwich, chips, and bottled water. Beaty said Brookshire’s Grocery has again donated buns and chips to the effort.
“They do that every year,” he said. “They always help me out with the project by donating food items. They’re eager to do it.”
While there is no set price, donations to Toys for Tots will be accepted.
“You figure a good barbecue sandwich and all that goes with it is worth at least $5,” said Beaty, who has been involved with Toys for Tots for 34 years. “I don’t ever say how much, just ask people to make a donation.”
Beaty will also have items such as coloring books to hand out to children.
“I may give them to Santa Claus and let him hand them out,” he said.
Applications for Toys for Tots are due by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at ResourceCare.
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.
Beaty has toy collection boxes set up at Albany High School and Dollar General. Monetary donations are being accepted at Prairie Star.
“Dollar General has kicked off their toy drive,” Beaty said. “People can take toys there or purchase something there.”
Toys can also be dropped off at ResourceCare.
Beaty said donations have been lagging leading up the Thanksgiving weekend.
“Anything will help,” he said. “I don’t have a whole lot of toy donations so far and only a little bit of money. I’m hoping after this week that things will pick up.”
Beaty said the situation is the same in other counties.
“It seems to be like this everywhere,” he said. “I’ve talked to several other coordinators from around the area, and they’re seeing more monetary, which is fine.”
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 gift cards to Brookshire’s 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 should be unwrapped, should be dropped off at the Youth Center by Friday, Dec. 2 so they can be wrapped.
Gifts will be delivered with the Vittles by Vehicle meals by FCCLA students the week of Christmas.
To adopt a senior citize, 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 welcomed, 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.
