The United Way of West Central Connecticut is inviting you to Live United this holiday season. United Way is seeking donations for their Annual Joy of Sharing Holiday Toy & Gift Drive.
This program has been providing toys and gifts to children, teens, and families in need in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, and Plymouth for the past 14 years. Last year alone, over 2,000 toys and gifts were requested in their four-town region. This year, the need is greater than ever and they need your help.
New, unwrapped toys and gifts are needed for children ages 3 through 14. These gifts are then given to local non-profit organizations that distribute them to their clients.
When asked about the Joy of Sharing Program, United Way’s president Donna Osuch said in a press release, “Sometimes we don’t even realize that our friends and neighbors might be in need. During the holidays, it becomes more apparent that some people are struggling to make ends meet. We hope that people who can help will make the holidays more special for those who need it.”
According to Osuch, the news release said, the gifts are collected in two ways: through individual contributions and through companies and organizations that hold toy drives with their employees or members.
In years past, United Way has not received enough gifts for children ages 8 to 14. Some ideas for this hard-to-shop-for age group are: skateboards/scooters, movie passes, sports gear, hats and gloves, scarves, hoodies or jackets, perfume or cologne gift sets, musical instruments, fleece blankets, make-up sets, nail polish, etc.
Anyone that is willing to help is urged to call the United Way office at (860) 582-9559 to sign up. Donations can be delivered between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9 to 200 Main St. in Bristol.
“We realize that individuals are asked to give a lot during the holidays but all it takes is one toy or gift given to a child in need to make their whole holiday season brighter,” said Osuch in the press release.