Dec. 8—A local nonprofit is set to give away free new toys for kids just in time for the holidays.
Grace House, 2638 Lafayette St., will begin offering items for infants and children up to age 12 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Grace House Executive Director Ruth Costello said that in these challenging economic times, giving kids a new, age appropriate toy can ease some of the burden for parents and guardians.
“Times are hard, so if your kids can come and get a new gift, it’ll be awesome,” Costello said. “Its about giving, and we love it, and we do it all for a smile.”
Instead of traditional free shopping time, which takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Grace House, the toy giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 14, will be fully devoted to making sure each child gets an age appropriate gift and a treat bag, Costello explained.
“We are asking families to arrive early,” Costello said, “but we have it organized to where there should be a short wait.”
Families can come in, give the age of their child or children and then receive a new gift.
According to Costello, donations for this event have come from individuals and groups throughout the community, but there is always room for more donations, since they are expecting over 120 kids to attend the giveaway.
“The age group we always need the most donations for are from ages eight to 12,” Costello said. “That group can be the most challenging to buy for.”
The giveaway has been scheduled during a time in which Grace House has already seen hundreds of individuals come to its weekly shopping times to receive warm clothes and other items.
Costello spoke about one family who lost their house to a fire right before this holiday season, as well as another family in which the father lost his job just before this past Thanksgiving.
After the toy giveaway concludes, Costello said that Dec. 21 is the last day Grace House will be open until it resumes operations in the new year.
Charles Christian anchors the evening news for News-Press NOW and also serves as an ordained minister at United Methodist Churches in Union Star and Helena, Missouri. Charles can be reached at charles.christian@newspressnow.com. Follow him on twitter: @NPNowChristian.