According to Wilkinson Center Associate Education and Training Director Ryan Lett,
“Wilkinson Center understands the importance of the holidays to our families. Parents and caregivers want to provide their children with gifts and memorable experiences but lack the finances to do so. They are working hard just to keep a roof over their head and food on the table. When making the choice, some parents will use funds meant for rent and essential living expenses to provide Christmas gifts for their children instead. By providing free toys, Wilkinson Center takes away the burden of tough financial choices and brings joy to parents and children.
“Holidays at Wilkinson Center would not exist without the generous donations and support of the community, and this year is no exception. Our goal is to collect 2,000 unwrapped toys and gift cards of $25 each to distribute to 500 children, ages 0 – 17 years old, who might otherwise not have holiday gifts. Upon meeting our goal of distributing toys to 500 children, all additional funds will roll into the Family Emergency Fund to address critical needs that arise in the lives of our families throughout the rest of the year.
“We encourage the community to support Holidays at Wilkinson Center by purchasing items from our Amazon wish , Friday, November 10, through Friday, December 8; donate financially towards the cost of toys, gift cards for teens and bicycles by donating or sign up at to volunteer for our December 16th Toy Distribution event, where parents will ‘shop’ for toys for their children from the donated toys before having the toys wrapped by volunteers. For more information on collecting and donating toys in person, please contact Sandra Pomeroy at [email protected] to arrange a toy drop-off or pick-up time.
“Thank you for helping to make the holidays special for our families!”
* Graphic/photo provided by Wilkinson Center