Toys for Tots, Angel Tree supporting area families

Two local organizations are continuing to combine efforts to provide for the children of Young County through the Toys for Tots and Angel Tree programs.

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December to distribute as Christmas gifts for less fortunate children in the community.

“We help 800 to 1,000 kids every year in Young County and help those families have a softer landing in what life is throwing at them,” Young County Toys for Tots Coordinator Dave Reid said. “So for at least a day, kids are covered and get something that they might otherwise get very few.”

The Lions Club Angel Tree project has angels located at Walmart and First State Bank in Graham that have requests for donations of clothing, shoes, blankets and other items for the holiday season.

“Most of these kids are asking for basic necessities that we take for granted,” Angel Tree Project Chair Tiffany Fade said.

The Rotary Club of Graham assists the Lions Club each year and hosts a coat drive to provide for Angel Tree children.

Currently, around 95 families and 250 kids are a part of the Lions Club Angel Tree project with applications submitted up until and following distribution day. Angel requests can be picked up and dropped off at Walmart and First State Bank.

The Lions Club Angel Tree distribution day will be held from 3-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at the warehouse on Fifth Street across from Southern Bleacher Company. 

While the distribution day might be in December, the support given through the program extends all year.

“Angel Tree is handed out in the month of December, but it’s a year-long project and we have families that call us all throughout the year,” Fade said. “If there is a fire or another need, we are always still there.” 

The Young County Toys for Tots campaign kicked off in October is running through Saturday, Dec. 20 when the toy distribution will be held at 9 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Graham. 

Toys can be dropped off in white boxes at various locations around Young County. The last collection date will be Tuesday, Dec. 16 at participating locations around Young County, with boxes being picked up the following day.

The organization also accepts donations via cash or check can that be dropped off at Brazos Bed and Mattress Store in Graham or with Young County Veterans Service Officer Adam LaVine. 

The inaugural LaVine-Austin Memorial benefit shoot was held along with a cornhole tournament as a fundraiser for the local Toys for Tots program. The event raised a total of $6,820 for the Young County organization.

Applications for the Toys for Tots program opened Monday, Nov. 3 and will close Tuesday, Dec. 16. Applications can be submitted online at graham-tx.toysfortots.org. 

Last year, the Young County program distributed a total of 2,587 toys for 804 children. The Young County coordinator said the partnership with Angel Tree ensures children are provided for with the community.

“We feel like we’re reaching deeper into the community, because all of (the Angel Tree) applications come through the ISDs (and) they get vetted more. We’re positive that those people are more in need,” Reid said. “...I focus on spending a little more, putting a little more effort in and want to make sure the community knows that if they’re applying, they’ll get more if they qualify for Angel Tree.”

Reid said his program can only provide toys for children, but not other necessities they may require.

“By providing the toys through Angel Tree, Angel Tree is able to do things I can’t. They’re making gifts that have a life impact,” he said. “They can give coats, clothing, shoes, diapers, while my program is restricted to just toys. Since we’re adding the toy part to it, that frees them up to do some quality of life gifts that toys are not.”

Toys for Tots also partners with the child advocacy center Virginia’s House and their CASA program and provides them with boxes of toys left over from the distribution day. 

Members of the Steers baseball team will help bag and tag gifts Friday, Nov. 19 at First Baptist Church in Graham. 

What used to be an all-day endeavor for the organization has been shortened due to the efforts of the high school students.

“Those boys from the Graham Steers baseball team came in last year and were in and out from the moment they showed up, unloaded the truck, loaded up the tables, sorted, bagged and finished in 45 minutes,” Reid said.

For more information, visit the website at graham-tx.toysfortots.org or the organization's Facebook page.