Toys for Kids received numerous donations just in time for the 2011 annual distribution day this past Saturday, December 17th.

From students raising funds and going on a shopping spree to entire companies participating in fundraising efforts, Toys For Kids saw amazing support this year.  Even Jerry Campbell and his family, stars of American Hoggers, made an appearance and donation to the Toys For Kids program this year.

One of the companies that participated in fundraising and toy shopping was Kohler Co., whose employees collected over $1,200 for the Toys for Kids program.  Several employees delivered the new gifts along with cash to a local radio station’s live feed on Wednesday, December 14th.  Mary Patrick, Kohler employee who coordinated the effort, is pictured below with the toys she bought with the funds collected in a whirlpool prior to delivery.

School kids from Brownwood and Early made donations of their own as well.  In fact, the entire athletics department at Brownwood Middle School had a toy drive.  Pictured above are the BMS Girls Athletics students (7th & 8th grade) with some of the donations.  BMS coaches encouraged students to give to those less fortunate and arranged for a staff member, Audry Harris, from Toys for kids to come and speak with the kids.

Harris explained to the students that it is a program that gives to children in need but is also a program that is very dear to her as well.  Harris is the niece of Toys for Kids founder Wanda Thacker Martin and has helped every year since she was a small child.

“Seeing the parents’ faces is the best thing,” said Harris.  “They are really appreciative.”

Harris explained that it is her favorite time of the year and that she was even missing one side of her family’s Christmas gathering to help.

Although the official season of Toys for Kids is over, there is still need for those who did not register for the distribution program or those that were not able to come and pick up their children’s toys.  Martin and Harris stated that donations are still welcome and will be needed.

BMS 7th Grade Boys athletics.  (8th grader boys also participated).

Pictured above Mary Patrick with Toys from the Kohler toy drive.  Below is Jerry Campbell with KOXE radio personality Carl Wayne.