Applications will open soon for the annual Jefferson County Toys and More holiday distribution. The group collects new toys, clothing, shoes and nonperishable food to help make a better holiday for families in need all across Jefferson County.
Donations also are being sought, and a number of events are scheduled to raise money to buy toys and other items for the distribution, which is set for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, in the gymnasium at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crystal City.
This may be the last year for the distribution, which began in 1983.
Founder Kathy Ogle, who turns 72 in November, said health concerns are forcing her to reluctantly retire, and it is uncertain whether the event will find new leadership.
“It’s been my adventure for 39 years,” she said. “I have been blessed to work with an awesome board and volunteers who have big hearts, overwhelming compassion and the need to help children. But nobody wants to take it over. They know how much work it is.”
Toys and More works closely with the Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation, local food pantries and area school counselors to identify families dealing with poverty. Those families are then encouraged to apply for eligibility for the event.
Children do not typically attend the distribution; parents or guardians come and shop for their children, “just like they would at a store,” Ogle said.
Each registered child typically receives several toys; several stocking stuffers; packages of socks and underwear; at least one outfit of clothing; and outerwear, such as caps and gloves. Each family receives a game or craft supplies, some health and beauty supplies and a bag of food.
Volunteers are needed to help collect, sort, and display supplies and to help on the distribution day. Cash donations, which are tax-deductible, also are sought to help purchase toys and clothing.
This year’s distribution event is set for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, in the gymnasium at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crystal City.
The need keeps growing
This year, applications open Oct. 3 and will be taken through Dec. 2.
Families with children 16 and younger with household incomes below the federal poverty guideline are eligible to apply. This year, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, the guideline is $27,750 for a family of four.
“(The applicant) doesn’t necessarily have to be just parents,” Ogle said. “We have grandparents, other relatives, neighbors who are taking care of kids.”
Families receiving SNAP benefits (often referred to as “food stamps”) may automatically be eligible.
Applications must be made in person at the Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation headquarters, 2 Merchant Drive, in Hillsboro; local food pantries; or the counseling office at any local school.
“It would be best to call for an appointment,” Ogle said. “JFCAC is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and the number is 636-789-2686.”
Required documentation includes a Social Security card for each family member; proof of household income for the preceding month; and a driver’s license number for each family member older than 18.
Ogle said she and her staff are gearing up for their biggest year ever, based on current economic conditions.
“JFCAC has been bombarded lately with people who need assistance – rent, utilities, food,” she said. “So we know our need is going to be up there.
“The first year we did this, we served something like 25 kids. Last year, we served 2,006 kids in 800 families. It keeps growing.”
Fundraisers
A series of fundraisers is planned to purchase supplies for the giveaway.
■ A Quarter Auction is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1, at VFW Post 3777, 900 VFW Drive in Crystal City. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the auction runs from 6-10 p.m. Auction paddles are $5 each, with additional paddles $3. All-in paddles will also be available. There are no outside beverages allowed; beer, soda, wine and water will be available for purchase.
■ An All-You-Can-Eat Pasta Dinner will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, also at VFW Post 3777. In addition to food, there will be numerous raffles (including a four-burner propane griddle), attendance prizes and grab bags for kids. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under.
■ A “Fill the Bus” Toy Drive will be held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11, at the Walmart Supercenter in Crystal City. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Shoppers are encouraged to purchase toys and donate to Toys and More for its upcoming distribution. Santa Claus and the Grinch will be on hand to greet shoppers.
“Cash donations and gift cards also are appreciated,” Ogle said. “The cards, in smaller denominations, we actually give as gifts, especially to teenagers.”
Saying goodbye
Ogle said talks are in the works for someone to take over and continue the program.
“But there’s just no one who has said they’ll step up and take this,” she said.
Ogle hopes, if this is the last year for the event, that it will end with a bang.
“We hope the donors who have been so kind over the years will give just one more time,” she said.
She said if the program continues, she will stay involved.
“I can’t imagine not helping,” she said. “But I just can’t be in charge anymore and put in those kind of hours.”
Ogle, who lives in Bloomsdale, plans to spend more time with her husband Keith, her five children, 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, many of whom routinely help with the toy distribution.
For more information, to donate or to volunteer with the program, contact Ogle at 314-520-1536 or email jeffcotoydist@gmail.com.