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| More than 1,000 kids are in need this year |
Staff Photo by Charles Boothe:
Toy after toy came in as Ply Gem employees donated to We Care this year, enough toys to fill three huge boxes. Those who helped with the project are, from left, Carolyn Witcher, Saundra Craighead, David Santiago, Lynne Blankenship, Brittany Smith, Fran Law, Ann Bruce and Mike Lewis. |
Friday, December 7, 2012
By STACEY HAIRSTON - Staff Writer
We Care of Franklin County is once again collecting toys for underprivileged local children.
So far, an estimated 1,000 Franklin County children have been approved to receive the toys this Christmas season through We Care's 22nd annual Christmas program, but applications are still being accepted.
Drop-off locations for toy donations in the Westlake area include Dairy Queen, Grand Home Furnishings and any busininess that is a member of the Retail Merchants Association.
In Rocky Mount, toys can be dropped off at Dairy Queens on Route 40 West and 220 North, Pizza King and Bojangles.
William Richardson, a We Care volunteer, will be camping out at Auto Zone from Dec. 10 - 16 to accept toy donations as well.
Monetary donations are also being accepted. Checks can be made out to We Care of Franklin County and mailed to P.O. Box 96, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.
The deadline for toy and monetary donations is Wednesday, Dec. 19.
"A big thanks to everyone who helped with last year's toy drive," said Teresa Tyree, volunteer with We Care.
"A total of 1,596 children from more than 360 families received toys last year, and we are hoping the community will come through for us this year as well."
Approved parents will be allowed to shop for their children from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Rocky Mount on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 20 and 21. The program will culminate with a party on Friday, Dec. 21 at 5:30 at the Moose Lodge, where the toys will be distributed to the children and Santa will visit with the children.
"This year's season of giving is not just about We Care," said Tyree. "It is about everybody."
"Times are really hard this year and there are more people in need than ever," she added. "I urge the community to give wherever, however and as much as their heart tells them to." |
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