Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Picayune toy drive needs donations

For the second year, the Nevada County Picayune is sponsoring a toy drive to help the underprivileged children throughout the county.

Last year more than100 bags of toys were handed out to children to brighten their holiday season.

Again this year, new and good used toys are needed for the drive. While used toys will be accepted, they must be clean and in good working condition.

"Please don't bring anything you wouldn't give your own children," said Picayune editor John Miller. "Soiled or damaged toys will not be accepted."

Donations will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. Plans are to distribute the toys from the Picayune office from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20. This will be after the annual Breakfast with Santa event held by the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce.

Miller is asking area schools to pitch in and help out with the toy drive again this year. In addition, church and civic groups are asked to make donations of either cash or toys. All money donated will be used to purchase toys. Area merchants will also be asked to help in any way they can.

So far, the Nevada and Emmet school districts have said they would help. In addition, several donations have been made to help the needy this Christmas.

Again this year, parents will be called and notified when to come and get the gift bags. Parents will have to come to the Picayune office at 100 E. Elm and get the toys, which will be bagged, but not wrapped.

Cash donations have been given by the Bank of Prescott, the Nevada County Branch Bank of Delight, State Sen. Percy Malone, State Rep. Tommy Roebuck and the Central Baptist Church Brotherhood. This money will be used to purchase age-appropriate toys after the Picayune has the names of the children.

According to Jon Chadwell, president of the Prescott Rotary Club, the club members have agreed to bring two new toys each to donate to the drive. Other civic clubs are urged to do the same.

"This is a chance for all of us to play Santa," Miller said. "Let's make the most of it and help the children. After all, if we don't help us, who will?"