Toys for Tots’ local gift deliveries will continue into new year
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - One local group has been working around the clock to make sure every child has holiday gifts.
And although Christmas is over, volunteers’ work isn’t.
Toys for Tots received more than 800 applications from families in need this year.
And even though Christmas was Wednesday, Toys for Tots volunteers will be working through the second week in January getting those gifts out and coordinating pickups.
“When families come in and for a volunteer to feel like we have helped, aided, and assisted someone, it’s a phenomenal feeling to give back,” said Gregory Smith, a volunteer at Toys for Tots.
Last-minute local shoppers still looking for just the right gift
There are still a lot of shoppers looking to get that special gift for their loved ones. And store owners say they expect the holiday rush to continue.
Smith is one of the volunteers who spent his Christmas Eve serving others.
“It does my heart good,” said Smith. “Rather to give than to receive and being here on Christmas Eve doing something that’s positive, I wouldn’t do anything else.”
Families have been making their way in to receive their gifts after volunteers get more than 200 last-minute requests.
“This year has been extremely high due to everything that’s happened in the last two months,” said Smith. “There are a lot of people who are hurting and people who are struggling right now, so it means intakes for the application were a little higher. But, with the community’s , we are on target.”
Smith says volunteers are intent on fulfilling their promises.
Amid shipping delays, shop locally for last-minute gifts
Delayed shipments this season have been impacting shoppers and businesses. But that’s not stopping our local small businesses from making sure customers have plenty to choose from.
“We’re trying to get these packages out and we have some volunteers that are willing to use their personal vehicle to get the stuff out to those who don’t have a form of transportation so it’s a never-ending cycle,” said Smith.
Toys for Tots says they are grateful to the community for making sure thousands of kids have a merry Christmas.
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