Annual holiday toy drive seeks gifts, cash donations for island children
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, November 22, 2016
The annual holiday toy drive, sponsored by John L. Scott, is underway, with volunteers preparing to provide for island children in need.
Each year through the drive, between 175 to 200 island children and teens — from infants to age 18 — receive toys and other gifts. A similar number or recipients are expected this year.
Drop-off boxes for gifts are located at several island stores, ready for donations of new games, toys, sporting goods, art supplies and clothes. They will remain in place until Dec. 17. Cash donations are also welcome and enable organizers to purchase needed items to supplement donations.
Dianne Stoffer, a volunteer with the drive and a real estate agent with John L. Scott, said participating in the event gives her goosebumps.
“It is a really, really special thing we do for the island,” she said. “Every parent that goes through there is so grateful.”
As in recent years, volunteers will create a store experience for parents or other adults to select items for children.
The holiday store will be open in the former Granny’s Attic furniture space, near the Neighborcare Health clinic at Sunrise Ridge, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17.
Checks for the drive should by made out to VYFS and sent to John L. Scott Vashon, P.O. Box 2009. Drop-off boxes are at Thriftway, IGA, Ace Hardware, Island Lumber, Vashon Pharmacy and US Bank.
For more information about the drive, call organizer Joyce Smith at 372-5030.
— Susan Riemer
