The Northwest Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual toy drive during November, marking 30 years of giving back to local children and their families during the holidays.
Sharon Reineri of Cedar Hill, the chairperson for the chamber’s toy drive, has been involved with the drive for about 20 years and said the event has continued to grow since its humble beginnings.
“The toy drive is now a long-standing tradition,” Reineri said. “It started as a networking event where members gathered and, after hours, collected a few toys to donate. The first year, there was only one table of toys. It has grown significantly since. Now we collect thousands for children in our community.”
The toy drive began Nov. 3, and toy collection barrels were placed at local businesses along Hwy. 30. Those who wish to donate have until Thursday, Dec. 11.
Area first responders will also collect donations at High Ridge Walmart, 2700 Ridge Point Drive, and the local Dollar General stores on Saturday, Nov. 29, and Sunday, Nov. 30.
To make a monetary donation, make checks payable to the Northwest Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and send them to 24 Gravois Station Road, House Springs, MO, 63051.
Similar to past years, Reineri and a group of volunteers called “elves” will take the monetary donations received and shop for more toys to give to children within the community.
“People here have big hearts, and just the outpouring of donations is always incredible to see. The generosity that our community, volunteers, chamber members and first responders put forth every year is amazing. It truly is a community effort,” Reineri said.
Reineri said the toy drive brings joy to children during the holiday season. Reineri is expecting to receive thousands of toys again for this year’s drive.
“Having a good Christmas, especially in the times that we’re living in right now. As hard as things are these days, it is important. I’m sure this year, toys for families are probably going to be in more demand than ever before,” Reineri said.
The Chamber invites the community to join the festivities at the 30th Annual Toy Drive Celebration. The celebration will take place from 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Pine Hollow Annex, 6482 Hwy. MM, in House Springs. Admission to the event is a new, unwrapped toy. Included with the initial entry donation, attendees can enjoy appetizers and drinks. In addition to food, the celebration will feature a friendly competition between the High Ridge and Cedar Hill Fire Protection Districts, games, live music and a visit from Santa Claus.
“The friendly competition between first responders is always a fun sight. They compete in a variety of games like bicycle races, pie-eating contests and more. It is all for bragging rights. It is just a fun addition to the night. The event would not be possible without their (first responders) help.” Reineri said.
At the end of the evening, the donated toys will be divided, bagged up and taken by the fire protection districts to later distribute to local families in time for the holidays.
“This event brings people together for a great cause. That is what it is all about, giving back to those who need it,” Reineri said.
The chamber is also looking for volunteers to help decorate the House Springs pond for the holiday season. The pond is at the intersection of highways MM and 30.
Volunteers will meet at the pond at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. If interested in helping, leave a message for the chamber office at 636-671-8010 or email chorn.nwjcchamber@gmail.com.
Locations
Collection barrels will be available at the following places.
High Ridge
■ SSM Health Physical Therapy, 32 Dillon Plaza Drive
■ Lindell Bank, 23 Dillon Plaza Drive
■ Dollar General, 2713 High Ridge Blvd.
■ Pegg’s Restaurant on the Boulevard, 1001 Crossroads Place
■ High Ridge Fire Protection District, 2842 High Ridge Blvd.
■ Exploration Station, 3100 High Ridge Blvd.
■ Compass Health, 5684 Hwy. PP
■ Northwest Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 5680 Hwy. PP
House Springs
■ Exploration Station, 4235 Gravois Road
■ Northwest R-1 Early Childhood Center, 6180 Hwy. MM
■ Dollar General, 7 Walters Place
■ Ryan Kanatzar-State Farm agent, 26 Gravois Road
■ Enterprise Bank, 4675 Gravois Road
■ American Muscle Gym, 4576 Hunter Lane
■ C&C Auto. 4750 Raetta Lane
Cedar Hill
■ Enterprise Bank – 8475 Local Hillsboro Road
■ Dollar General – 7036 Hwy. BB
■ Cedar Hill Fire Protection District – 6766 Cedar Hill Road
■ Stark Roofing LLC – 8480 Local Hillsboro Road
Dittmer
■ Dollar General – 7900 Dittmer Catawissa Road
St. Louis
■ Laborers’ Local International Union 110 – 4532 S. Lindbergh Blvd.