Toy Giveaway Taking Place In Warsaw
Kristin Chapman, 12, and (right) Mallory Phillips, 10, were among the volunteers to pass out new toys to families at the Toy Giveaway.
The annual Toy Give Away began yesterday and provided over 1,000 parents with toys for their children for Christmas morning. The giveaway gives used and new gifts to parents who cannot afford to provide gifts during the Christmas holiday.
The giveaway, which is held at the Home and Family Arts Building at the Kosciusko County Community fairgrounds, began Tuesday at 9 a.m. with Parent’s Day. Grandparents will be welcomed today, as will any parents who were unable to attend yesterday’s giveaway.
The giveaway features toys for boys and girls ages infants to 18 years old. Parents who attend are allowed to peruse used gifts to hand select two gifts per child. In addition, parents are given either two big new gifts or a couple small new gifts that are handpicked by children who volunteer during the giveaway.
CCS staff and volunteers will assist in making sure toys are evenly distributed. It is preferred that parents come to the toy giveaway without their children to ensure the gifts are a surprise on Christmas morning.
(left) Lucas Vargo, 9, and Ellen Kreider, 10, carefully assess toys to ensure the perfect donation for a family in need.
“I know that many people just think these are bits of plastic, but if you think about your childhood and what (your Christmas presents) meant to you, it just means so much,” stated Ami Pit, this year’s toy sale coordinator and 20-year event volunteer.
The annual toy giveaway has been conducted for the past 20 years and the toy sale has been conducted for the past 18 years. Each year, proceeds from the consignment sale, as well as donations from private individuals and groups like ABATE, make it possible to provide approximately $5,000 in new toys for the Combined Community Services giveaway.
Pitt thanked Warsaw Meijer, Walmart, ABATE, Dave Morales, Toys For Tots, Fort Wayne Big Lots and the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds for their assistance in making the toy giveaway possible.
For more information, contact Ami Pitt at 574-265-4179.
