Mt. Vernon Register-News

Local

December 3, 2012

Donations and volunteers sought

By RORYE O’CONNOR rorye.oconnor@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — — Registration for the giveaway from Toys for Kids of Jefferson County has ended, but volunteers still need help from the community.

Toys for Kids president Jill Holloway said about 850 children and teens have been signed up for the free toy program, and toys for certain age groups are still needed before the Dec. 7 giveaway.

“We still really need donations in the toys for kids from 7-14 for boys and girls, and babies less than one,” she said.

Holloway suggested Legos, remote control cars and board games as some of the toy items that could be donated to older children, or electronics such as DVD or CD players or MP3 players.

Stocking stuffers for all ages are still needed, such as books, hats, gloves, scarves or smaller toys.

Volunteers are also needed in a big way, Holloway added. They are needed to sort and organize toys today at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 5 p.m., as well as to help distribute toys, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Friday. Those picking up toys are asked not to bring their children to the giveaway.

Toys for Kids of Jefferson County provides toys and stocking stuffers to children from newborns to age 14 who have a medical card. This year, the organization has hosted a variety of fundraisers to support its efforts, including a spaghetti dinner hosted by 9th Street Grill, an auction at West Salem Trinity United Methodist Church, a craft fair at Times Square Mall and photos with Santa Claus facilitated by Once Upon a Lifetime Photography.

Holloway said the photos with Santa fundraiser, held this weekend, drew quite a few people.

“It was very busy,” she said. “I was told it went later than they planned, because they had so many people.”

Those who made a donation to Toys for Kids received a photo CD with the picture, Holloway said.

Though big donation drives from Walgreens Distribution and Continental Tire the Americas are helping Toys for Kids this year, Holloway said individual donations of money and toys have dwindled.

“Fundraisers are the only way we are getting by, because donations are way down this year,” she said.

Donation trees are still up at Big Lots, two Subway locations, Maurice’s and My Favorite Toys. Donations may be mailed to Curves of Mt. Vernon, 301 N. 27th Street. For more information, call 641-1178.

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TESA GLASS/REGISTER-NEWS
Mt. Vernon Police blocked a portion of North Ninth Street Wednesday morning about 11 a.m. after reports the brick facade of the apartment building at the corner of Ninth and Maple streets was falling to the ground. The bricks took out cable lines, awnings and were landing on the street.