Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive |
Saturday date to pick up toysPublished Wednesday, December 14, 2005 in the Nevada County PicayuneIts time for parents to get ready to pick up toys from the Fourth Annual Picayune Toy Drive. The toys will be handed out between 12-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Picayune office, 100 E. Elm. The drive has been successful beyond belief, as it has grown each year with more and more children receiving gifts for the holidays. In the first year 129 children received bags of toys and candy for the Christmas holiday. The second year saw the number grow to more than 200, and last year, this figure doubled, as more than 400 bags of toys and candy were handed out. Of course, more than just toys and candy are given to the children. We get the names of needy students from the school districts in the county, said John Miller, Picayune editor. Along with the names, we are also told if a child has other, more important needs, such as shoes or a coat. Weve also made sure families have diapers and other items for newborns in the three years of the toy drive. For the most part, Miller said, everything is purchased in Prescott to help the local economy. But, there are times when this isnt possible. Still, the bulk of money donated is spent in Prescott. We had to make some changes this year, Miller said. In years past we havent had any kind of age requirements on the drive, and helped as many people as we could. This year, though, we will only be taking names of children up to the age of 12. This is because the effort is growing beyond the ability we at the Picayune have to handle it. The idea remains the same today it has in since the inception of the drive, Miller said, to help make Christmas a little brighter for those children who otherwise may receive little or nothing. People need to understand one thing, Miller said, this is a toy drive, not an angel tree. We will hand out the toys we receive, and purchase what we can with the funds donated. We simply arent able to buy every child exactly what he or she wants. We cant take requests. We want to thank everyone who has helped in making the drive a success for the fourth year in a row. We couldnt do it without the assistance of local people and businesses. Donations have been made by State Sen. Percy Malone, State Rep. Tommy Roebuck, Congressman Mike Ross, the Bank of Delight, Sexton Foods, the Nevada High School Cheerleaders, Freds, Dollar General and more individuals than can be named. Every little bit has helped to ensure the drive will be a success, Miller said. Thanks to you, Christmas will be brighter for children across Nevada County. The toys will be distributed from 12-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, following Breakfast with Santa, the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerces annual holiday event at the Potlatch Building in the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Those who have signed up or otherwise been notified need to come to the Picayune office at 100 E. Elm during this time to get the toys. Search | Nevada County Picayune by date | Gurdon Times by date |
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