Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Picayune sponsoring toy drive

With Christmas almost here, it's time to remember those less fortunate.

Because of budget and personnel cuts, the Nevada County Department of Human Services will not be able to do an Angel Tree this Christmas.

Elaine Halliday, DHS director, said the agency doesn't have the manpower to properly administer the Angel Tree program this year.

This leaves a gap in helping make sure the needy children of the county are remembered this Christmas season.

To help bridge this gap, the Nevada County Picayune is sponsoring a toy drive.

Residents are asked to drop toys off at the Picayune office, 100 E Elm, during regular business hours. The toys will then be placed under a tree in the window to show the drive's progress.

"We will be working with the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, and the three school districts in the county to find who the needy children are and make sure they get the toys," said Picayune editor John Miller. "No child should have to go without during Christmas."

The toys should be for both boys and girls of all ages. It is asked the toys be new and still in the package. Broken or damaged toys will not be accepted.

The toy drive will continue through Monday, Dec. 16, at 5 p.m. Families receiving the gifts will be contacted and asked to come to the Picayune office Saturday, Dec. 21, between 12-3 p.m. to pick them up.

"Please help us make sure all the children in the county have a merry Christmas this year," Miller said.

"It's a great thing to do," said Hyacinth Deon, superintendent of the Prescott School District. "I hope our school organizations chip in and help. I know the faculty will help."

Dr. Gene Ross, Emmet superintendent, said the toy drive is a worthwhile endeavor for those who wouldn't have Christmas without it.

"It's a great thing to do," he said.

Nevada Superintendent Rick McAfee said the Nevada student organizations and counselors will be told so they can get involved and help as well.

"It's a great thing," he said. "We appreciate it because in the south part of the county there are a lot of people who are out of work and this is a chance for the children to have a brighter Christmas.

"It takes a village to raise a child," he continued, "and with the economy the way it is, we need the village to help the children. We'll have the school, K-12, get involved."

Mary Godwin, executive director of the Chamber, said the drive is a needed service for the community this Christmas season.

"We want to make sure the children are taken care of," she said, "during the holiday season. I hope everyone will take time out when they're shopping to buy something for these children and spread the Christmas joy around."