The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield has just completed its annual “Toys for Kids” drive and some 340 packages of gifts for youngsters ages 2 through 10 were picked up by parents to be placed under the tree Christmas morning.

“We keep pushing through, striving to allow each child in our community to have that Christmas Day smile on their face,” said Kiwanis member Rita James.  “It’s been a difficult year in the area of funding as we didn’t receive some of the grants we’ve enjoyed in the past.  Bu public support has been wonderful.”

While the Toys for Kids program which targets needs-based children has been going here in Winnfield for nearly 30 years, the December 2023 distribution marks the 9th year that Kiwanis has carried the torch.

While funding is tight, Mrs. James says she employs a thrift-shopping strategy by keeping an eye out for bargain buys throughout the year to get the most bang for the buck for the children.  “Our toys are educational, fun and age-appropriate,” she said, “always with some reliable standards like books and balls.”

This year, Kiwanis was fortunate to have a starting balance of about $5,000, donations between $3,000 and $4,000 and a boot drive that brought in $9,000 to purchase the gifts for the children.  Kiwanians gathered to assemble the bags for each specific child.  Then on December 11 and 12, adults came to pick up the bags for Christmas distribution.

Nothing is ever wasted, Mrs. James assured.  Gift bags that are unclaimed are donated to the local CASA program.  With this drive under their belt, Kiwanis is already looking forward to Christmas 2024.  Anyone wishing to give that effort a jump start may send donations to Kiwanis Toys for Kids, PO Box 205, Winnfield LA, 71483.