Monroe County Coalition for Children and Families is seeking registrants for the Treasures For Children Christmas giveaway of toys, clothes and/or a food box.
Touting the August golf tournament a success with $2,500 raised through team fees, sponsorship and 50/50 drawing, event organizer Arnetta Turner, the Monroe County Fire & Emergency Services, community members, volunteers, businesses and organizations aren’t ready to stop there.
The next benefit will be an online auction on the Monroe County Fire & EMS Treasures for Children Toy Drive Facebook page. Planned for November 3-7, this virtual event will “raise funds to help the children in need in Monroe County to have a wonderful Christmas.”
Now in its 14th year, the annual toy drive typically serves around 300 children. What was once the fire & EMS angel tree has now evolved into a countywide endeavor and has become a big part of the Turner family’s holiday.
“It wouldn’t be Christmas without” being involved in the Treasures For Children toy drive, said Turner.
Names and wishes will be taken in the Union Family Resource Network offices in October and November. Of wish list items requested, Turner said, “If at all possible, we try to give at least one item [they] asked for” out of the 5 to 6 gifts provided to each child.
Fundraising methods have also evolved since the onset of the pandemic. The annual spaghetti dinner was canceled last year and replaced with the online auction, which “went very well,” according to Turner. “We had wonderful support last year and hope to have the same this year.”
Donations for November’s auction are already coming in, but more are needed. Those wishing to donate items can send a private message on Monroe County Fire & EMS Treasures for Children Toy Drive Facebook page. More information will be posted “as the date gets closer and also some sneak peeks of some of the items that we will have to auction.”
Supporters are encouraged to make contact through the Facebook page, and follow and share posts because, “If it wasn’t for the community, organizations and business members with financial help and work, this wouldn’t be possible,” said Turner.
Information for Treasures For Children Christmas will be taken in the Union Family Resource Network office at 60 Shanklin Avenue, Union on Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, and Nov. 2, 9 between 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and in the Peterstown Family Resource Network office at Market Street & Co. on Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, and Nov. 3, 10 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
For more information on the toy drive sign-up, call the Monroe County Coalition for Children and Families at 304-772-5960 or 304-646-3876.