Families hoping to be part of the “Toys for Kids” project still have time to sign up but they have to hurry, according to the sponsoring Winnfield Kiwanis Club. Thursday, Nov. 30, is the application deadline.
The needs-based program that provides toys for 300 to 400 children each Christmas season has been operating in Winn Parish for some 20 years, the past 8 of those under the auspices of Kiwanis. Many applications have already been turned in but more are available at each of the library branches parishwide and at the Police Jury office in the courthouse and at Winnfield City Hall.
Families should leave the filled applications where they picked up the blanks. It’s vital that a good telephone number and street address is included on the form so that the family can be reached if they are unable to pick up the toys in a timely manner.
Applications will be accepted through the deadline for children ages 2 through 10, boys and girls. The family must be on some sort of government assistance, even if parents have jobs. “We want to ensure every child has a smile on their face Christmas morning,” said Rita James who has chaired the project since Kiwanis took it on. “This might include grandmothers who are raising those kids or folks who have been recently laid off. We want to look out for those in need.”
Mrs. James says she picks up the applications and sorts them. Over the first 10 days of December, Kiwanians purchase gifts, sort and bag them by each qualified family. Then on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 10 and 11, the families report to the courthouse basement to pick up their Christmas bags. She added that Toys for Kids works with the Shop with a Cop program to try to avoid double-dipping. “We hope to ensure that as many difference children as possible can enjoy these gifts.”
The program costs a lot of money, covered by grants, business sponsors and individuals and an annual “Boot Drive,” she said. Anyone wishing to support this may send a check to the Kiwanis Toys for Kids mailbox which is open year around: P.O. Box 205, Winnfield.