Toys for Kids registration will resume Monday, Nov. 30 after a COVID-related quarantine forced a delay. Registration will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at Grand Starz.
“We are so worried about this because it only gives us about two weeks to really get the majority of the work done,” Stacee Hetzel, with the Toys for Kids program, said. “Also, we encourage people that need to the service to sign up that week to ensure that we can get them scheduled.”
For those who intend to sign up for Toys for Kids:
* Face coverings are required to enter building
* Bring social security number for each child
* Parent needs a valid ID
* Only parents/legal guardians may sign up children
For those who want to volunteer, call 325-646-6822 for a designated time.
Distribution day is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19. There will also be delivery and drive-thru pickup this year.
“We are offering both this year as an alternative to pick up,” Hetzel said. “If someone becomes quarantined they will not be allowed on the premises, but we are happy to deliver to them. We just want to help everyone and we understand that some are not comfortable or unable to be out and about so this is a safer option for them.”
Toy donations are accepted at a variety of businesses throughout Brown County. Among the donations Toys for Kids are specially requesting are:
* Used games or used gaming equipment
* Bikes – 20 inch and 24 inch
* Dragon ball toys
* Remote control cars
* Wireless ear buds
* Fortnight
The Toys for Kids program originated in 1997 by the family of the late Dennis Thacker. Wanda Martin, Thacker’s wife, is re-married to Scott Martin, and the family – including daughter Stacee – continues to run the charity.
“We have done it every year with the exception of two years,” Hetzel said in a previous interview with BrownwoodNews.com. “My parents started it, my dad came up with the idea, I don’t really know how. He was raised, I mean, they weren’t poverty or anything. They had food, and all their needs supplied, but as far as wants went, they were limited. So he saw a need in the community for help in that area. He was like, ‘we have food pantries and we have this and we have that, but somewhere along the way kids are getting left out.’”