Toy drive, sign ups in full swing

LINN COUNTY - Last year, 150 children across Linn County would have awakened to a Christmas Day with no gifts were it not for the annual Caring for Kids Toy Drive.

This year, due to the state of the economy, organizers expect that number to be even higher.

In answer to that, organizers of the annual Caring for Kids Toy Drive have the event up and

running for the 2009 holiday season, trying to make sure as many children in Linn County as possible don't spend Christmas without gifts.

Cans for cash donations are out in several locations and more will be coming throughout the county as retail establishments agree to have them set out.

Drop boxes for toy donations are currently at Snow Hill Café and Dollar General in Pleasanton and organizers are currently working on obtaining locations for more drop boxes.

"We did the booth at Sugar Mound this past weekend as we always do," said organizer Sandy Rowe, "but we just broke even and barely made enough to cover the cost of supplies."

"There was no extra this year," she reiterated, and then added, "so we really need donations in order to provide gifts for kids this year."

Rowe noted the group would prefer to have new toys for the children. Cash donations are used to buy clothing or other necessities that are age specific.

"We seem to have a gap in donations," said Rowe when asked if toy donations were where they needed to be. "We get plenty of toys but hardly ever anything for boys in between the ages of 9 and 13; however, toys are needed for all age groups, not just that one."

Rowe also announced this would be the last year she would be handling the toy drive due to health reasons.

"We're going to talk with the church and see if they would like to take it over, but volunteers are always welcome," she said.

Those wishing to make monetary donations can do so by contacting the crew at the ambulance barn in Pleasanton at 913-352-6995. Crewmembers there can tell donors where to take or mail the donation.

"Or we'll come pick it up; whatever it takes," said Rowe.

Families in need of assistance can sign up their children by calling the same number. Be sure to give organizers children's ages as well as clothing and shoe sizes.

"It's going to be a tough Christmas this year," said Rowe. "Families are struggling and we're sure we'll have even more families sign up for help this year than we had last year."