Toy drive continues

By Lynn A. Wade

Herald-Tribune

Nevada, Mo. -- The Vernon County Ambulance District employees still have plenty of room for toys for Vernon County children, in a year when there seems to be greater need than ever.

New, unwrapped toys are sought for children age 12 and younger. This year, the district employees hope their annual drive will be able to serve the nearly 400 children in families who have signed up for assistance.

Many groups and individuals have asked how to help out.

"We ask that the toys be unwrapped and age appropriate," McKenzie said. "For infants diapers, gloves, mittens, that kind of thing. Portable CD players are popular with all the kids. Basketballs, footballs for the guys, dolls for the girls -- it's pretty much the same each year."

"We still have a ways to go," said VCAD director James McKenzie.

Donations have come in rather slowly so far, "probably because of the weather," McKenzie said.

This year, there are more than 30 two-year-olds in need, he noted.

Cash donations are also accepted, which volunteers from the district use to purchase additional toys to fill specific needs.

"We might get a lot of toys for boys, and not enough for girls, or the other way around," McKenzie said.

The toy drive has been helping Vernon County children to have a merry Christmas for several years, and since 2001, the drive has enjoyed a special boost.

A New Jersey man heard about the drive via the Internet after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and wanted to help, so each year since, he's sent a cash donation to the drive.

"That really helps us out, and it's really special. He doesn't have any ties to the area or anything. He just wanted to help," McKenzie said.

Collection barrels need to fill quickly, McKenzie said, because the distribution of the toys is slated for Dec. 15.

Cash donations are accepted at the VCAD headquarters only, 515 E. Walnut, Nevada.

Collection barrels for the toys are located there as well, or at other sites throughout the county, including Community Christian Church, Crowder College and the Living Hope Fellowship.