Local program serves more than 330 children
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

Coordinators of the local "Toys for Tots" campaign are pleased with the success of the 2007 program and are crediting the local community for helping to make Christmas a holiday to remember for many children.

"Over 330 children in 119 families in Jenkins County were served by the program," said Becky Thomas of the Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center (JCFEC), coordinator of the activity.

Thomas notes that over $7,000 was donated in cash and toys by local individuals, clubs and churches. The U.S. Marines and Salvation Army also provided donations to the effort.

Organizing the event, however, is not a small task. Applications are taken four different days beginning in November and are run through a database with the Salvation Army to eliminate duplications of applicants with other counties and organizations. If approved, applicants are then notified of a specific pick-up time.

There is also the matter of collecting donations. This process continues for seven weeks with approximately 15 volunteers, plus JCFEC staff members, helping with placing and picking up donation boxes in the community, soliciting donations and sorting toys.

The toys are then distributed from the Zion Baptist Church social hall. Parents are asked not to bring their children to the distribution site as this may be what they receive from Santa, and it is less distracting.

While the blessing to those receiving the toys is obvious, volunteers and JCFEC personnel comment that they, too, are blessed to be a part of such a worthwhile effort.