Wyoming Toy Fund serves 1,235 kids this year - Treat bags, w
Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 11:10 am
Wyoming Toy Fund serves 1,235 kids this year - Treat bags, warm clothes, new and used toys were given out
Monday, December 11, 2006 - Mary Catherine Brooks - Wyoming County Bureau chief - The Register Herald - register-herald.com/cnhi/registerherald
NEW RICHMOND — As magical as the season, hundreds of volunteers worked to make Christmas brighter for underprivileged children in Wyoming County.
More than 100 volunteers helped set up the displays Saturday of new and used toys, turning Wyoming County East High School into a huge toy store, complete with holiday decorations.
On Sunday, more than 300 volunteers assisted parents, who “shop-ped” for Christmas during the Wyoming County Toy Fund’s eighth annual distribution party.
“We’ve got this down to a surgical procedure,” emphasized Chairman Todd Houck, noting the distribution was completed by 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
“The first shopper came through about 11 a.m.,” explained Dale Stewart, treasurer.
“The volunteers were great this year,” Houck said. “This was probably our most successful year in terms of volunteers and small donations — the $5, $10 and $100. And it definitely showed in getting people through here.”
Organizers noted 1,235 children were served this year with warm clothes, new toys, used toys and treat bags.
“This is an indication people in Wyoming County have a warm heart for people in need,” Stewart said. “We’re not part of a larger organization; we’re not part of United Way. We are essentially helping ourselves.
“The people of Wyoming County are generous with their money, their gifts of toys, and with their time,” Stewart emphasized.
While organizers don’t see many children shopping, they know their efforts are helping children in need across the county, Stewart explained.
This year, the volunteers ranged in age from youngsters to seniors, he said.
“The middle schools and both high schools were well represented,” Stewart emphasized.
Many of the volunteers return year after year, bringing their families to assist. One family travels every year from Virginia to assist with the distribution, Stewart said.
Officials lauded the efforts of all the volunteers, as well as East principal Barry Smith, Mike Kennedy of the Wyoming County Solid Waste Authority, Scooters Motorcycle Club of Lynco, Pizzamingo of Pineville, and Father Jack Reich of Mullens.
Those waiting to shop were entertained by the Joe Stewart Family, Bluegrass Crossties, Larry Arbogast, Danny Lusk, and Ricky Profitt.
Stewart emphasized donations are still being accepted at any bank in Wyoming County, or by mail to Wyoming County Toy Fund; Dale Stewart, Treasurer; P. O. Box 268; Matheny, WV 24860. Make checks payable to the Wyoming County Toy Fund.
“We spent more than $28,000 on the children,” Stewart said, “and we’ve only raised about $25,000.
“But this assures the children we serve will have a little better Christ-mas.”
Monday, December 11, 2006 - Mary Catherine Brooks - Wyoming County Bureau chief - The Register Herald - register-herald.com/cnhi/registerherald
NEW RICHMOND — As magical as the season, hundreds of volunteers worked to make Christmas brighter for underprivileged children in Wyoming County.
More than 100 volunteers helped set up the displays Saturday of new and used toys, turning Wyoming County East High School into a huge toy store, complete with holiday decorations.
On Sunday, more than 300 volunteers assisted parents, who “shop-ped” for Christmas during the Wyoming County Toy Fund’s eighth annual distribution party.
“We’ve got this down to a surgical procedure,” emphasized Chairman Todd Houck, noting the distribution was completed by 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
“The first shopper came through about 11 a.m.,” explained Dale Stewart, treasurer.
“The volunteers were great this year,” Houck said. “This was probably our most successful year in terms of volunteers and small donations — the $5, $10 and $100. And it definitely showed in getting people through here.”
Organizers noted 1,235 children were served this year with warm clothes, new toys, used toys and treat bags.
“This is an indication people in Wyoming County have a warm heart for people in need,” Stewart said. “We’re not part of a larger organization; we’re not part of United Way. We are essentially helping ourselves.
“The people of Wyoming County are generous with their money, their gifts of toys, and with their time,” Stewart emphasized.
While organizers don’t see many children shopping, they know their efforts are helping children in need across the county, Stewart explained.
This year, the volunteers ranged in age from youngsters to seniors, he said.
“The middle schools and both high schools were well represented,” Stewart emphasized.
Many of the volunteers return year after year, bringing their families to assist. One family travels every year from Virginia to assist with the distribution, Stewart said.
Officials lauded the efforts of all the volunteers, as well as East principal Barry Smith, Mike Kennedy of the Wyoming County Solid Waste Authority, Scooters Motorcycle Club of Lynco, Pizzamingo of Pineville, and Father Jack Reich of Mullens.
Those waiting to shop were entertained by the Joe Stewart Family, Bluegrass Crossties, Larry Arbogast, Danny Lusk, and Ricky Profitt.
Stewart emphasized donations are still being accepted at any bank in Wyoming County, or by mail to Wyoming County Toy Fund; Dale Stewart, Treasurer; P. O. Box 268; Matheny, WV 24860. Make checks payable to the Wyoming County Toy Fund.
“We spent more than $28,000 on the children,” Stewart said, “and we’ve only raised about $25,000.
“But this assures the children we serve will have a little better Christ-mas.”