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| Arms of Love needs toys, volunteers |
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12/12/2014
By Tom Marshall
Senior Advocate writer
Arms of Love is in desperate need of toys to hand out this Christmas, organizer Tammy Lockridge said.
Lockridge is asking that anyone who could spare a new or used toy to bring it by TK’s Gymnastics on Brandon Way off the Mt. Sterling Bypass or one of the dropoff points at Cash Express, Sheryl’s Hallmark or Rayburn’s Market.
The need is greater than ever as the event continues to grow, she said.
The event, now in its eighth year, drew about 100 children the first year, but increased to as many as 600 last year.
“Each year it keeps growing,” Lockridge said.
The event had grown so much that last year organizers limited it to participants from Montgomery County only.
Lockridge said people were coming from as far away as Lexington to participate.
Among some of the ideas for children are sports equipment, such as baseball bats and balls of all kinds. Games also make a great gift, Lockridge said.
In addition to the items for smaller children, gifts are needed for teenagers, such as toiletry goods like brushes and perfume or cologne, she said. Scarves and jewelry are also welcome.
The Montgomery County Fire Dept. will have volunteers posted outside Walmart to collect donations from the public each Sunday until Christmas.
There has also been a toy drive at the Montgomery County Regional Jail, where 15 minutes extra visitation time was permitted with inmates in exchange for the donation of a new toy.
The annual giveaway will be Dec. 23 beginning at 6 p.m. for families accompanied by their children and 7 for families attending without their children.
The goal is for each child to receive one new toy, three used toys and stuffed animals. Candy will also be handed out and Santa will be in attendance.
Teenage volunteers serve as elves helping the children pick out their toys.
“If anybody has a teenager they should have them volunteer,” Lockridge encourages. “It will change their life.”
Lockridge asked that any business or church with extra tables allow Arms of Love to borrow them for the giveaway.
Volunteers are also needed to sort the toys Dec. 22 prior to the giveaway. They will meet at 3 p.m. that day to organize the tables.
“If anyone would like to help we could certainly use you,” Lockridge said.
Members from First Presbyterian Church will provide free hot chocolate and hot dogs at the event.
Arms of Love continues to collect clothing at TK’s, which will be handed out the same time as the toy giveaway, only instead at Living Water Church, 200 Fogg Pike.
There will be clothing for all ages.
The church, along with the Montgomery County Homeless Coalition, agreed to work with Arms of Love this year because TK’s has limited space to handle both clothing and toys, said Jennifer Trimble with Living Water Church. She said the church was happy to lend a helping hand.
The clothing giveaway will be in the church gym.
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