Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Toy drive successful

Santa Claus is alive and well in Nevada County.

This was evidenced by the success of the 2004 Picayune Toy Drive, as more than 400 bags of toys were given out at the Nevada County Picayune.

Picayune Editor John Miller thanked those who donated toys and money to help the underprivileged children of Nevada County.

The toy drive began in 2001 when it was learned there were no agencies working to provide toys for children during the Christmas holidays. Miller and office manager Lisa Martin took it upon themselves to hold a toy drive at the Picayune, storing the toys in a front window so they could be seen by residents, and remind everyone of the need to help others during the holiday season.

The toy drive has grown in each of its three years, Miller said. The first year saw more than 100 bags of toys passed out, while this was doubled in its second year. Year three has been the biggest to date as more than 400 bags of toys were given to the area's needy.

Donations were made by several local and area people and businesses. These include: the Bank of Prescott, the Nevada County Branch Bank of Delight, the Nevada High School Jazzy Jays, Holly's Health Mart/Congressman Mike Ross, the Artesian Arts League, Sen. Percy Malone, Rep. Tommy Roebuck, Twyla Arnett, Barry Barber, the law firm of McKenzie, McRae, Vasser and Barber, the Swamprider Motorcycle Club, CenturyTel, Dollar General and the Prescott Lion's Club, among others.

Many residents came by the Picayune office to drop toys off, but didn't leave their names, as they only wanted to help.

The toys were handed out Saturday, Dec. 18, from 12-3 p.m., with people coming to pick up the sacks of toys, all of which included some kind of candy for the children as well as toys.

Fred's gave the toy drive a 20 percent discount to help the money raised go further. In all, more than $1,500 was spent there purchasing toys, watches, jewelry, electronic equipment and candy for the children. Sacks were given to children from six-months-old to 17-years-old.

"Each year we've done this," Miller said, "we've learned more about how to streamline things. This year was much easier than the first two because of a system we came up with to locate the toys faster. There will be changes made for the 2005 toy drive to make things even easier for all involved.

"Words don't exist to say how well the people of Prescott and Nevada County respond to help when help is needed. The Jazzy Jays have been with us from the outset, and have been a godsend for the toy drive. These young people go out of their way to help us out, and it's greatly appreciated. I can't say enough about them.

"We thank everyone who donated either money or toys," Miller continued. "With your help, a lot of children had a merrier Christmas than they would have had otherwise."