Central Christmas Toy Drive Begins

    Normally the Central Toy Box Drive each year helps around 500 children have a happier Christmas with new toys. This year, due to the historic flood, the number has grown to 1600.  Unbelievably, 1600 children in Central are displaced with no permanent home.  Due to this huge need, Central Toy Box has joined forces not only with partner Journey Church but also with the Central Community Assistance Foundation to bring toys and needed items to these children. 
    "We normally have about 15 sponsors," said Central Toy Box Chairperson Lynn Ross, "This year we will need double that many.  We are trying to pull sponsors from outside the state for donations."  As usual, the schools will be involved in a friendly competition, with the classes who bring in the most donations receiving prizes. 
    Brand new toys are very appreciated, but monetary donations are by far the most useful.  "Many of the children are middle and high school students who have lost everything," Lynn shared, "They need basics like lamps and bedspreads for their rooms.  We can use monetary donations to buy what is needed most."  Central Toy Box is a non-profit organization, so all donations are tax-deductible.
    Consider this year donating to this huge effort as a Christmas gift in honor of your loved ones, and help Central Toy Box, Journey Church, and CCAF bring joy to those who have lost so much.  For more information, contact Lynn at 262-8473.  To offer to help wrap gifts, contact Journey Church at  262- 4381.  Toys may be dropped off at Ross Tire Care and Service at 14330 Greenwell Springs Road.