After countless China built toys were yanked from stores nationwide this year due to lead in the paint, at least two area charity groups say they remain cautious this Christmas before any toys are distributed.
The Ortonville Community Emergency Fund, along with the Holly Youth Assistance, will distribute about 2,000 toys to area youth this Christmas. Officials from both groups say they are aware of the recalls and have taken precautions to prevent any contaminated toys reaching children in the area.
‘We’ll do our best to check through things before they go out,? said Judy Henley, OCEF spokesperson, who estimates about 120 toys will be distributed this holiday season. ‘This makes it even tougher for parents in an already bad economic situation. People are doing their best to donate toys and if they are recalled we just can’t use it. We would also hope that the recalled toys are already off the store shelves.?
According to news reports, the toys in question were recalled because of concerns about paint containing lead, which has been outlawed for use on U.S. toys since 1978. If eaten by children, lead can cause serious health issues. No injuries from these toys have been reported as of December.
Diane Howell, Holly Youth Assistance liaison and Groveland Township Trustee, said about 1,800 toys will be distributed this holiday season to more than 300 youth in the Holly area.
‘We buy many of our toys from Toys ‘R? Us,? said Howell. ‘We’ve been in contact with the Flint Township store regarding the toys that may have been recalled. Store managers assure us that all the toys in question have been removed from the shelves. We’ll consider having those that receive toys sign a waiver letter.?
The other concern for Howell are the service groups that collect and wrap toys prior to dropping the gifts at a collection site. ‘We have asked the scouts and other groups to check out the toys carefully,? said Howell. ‘If parents or anyone questions the toy, please let us know and we’ll replace it.?
Robert DeWitt, an Ortonville attorney, said the risk of getting sued due to negligence always exists, however, he suggests a few precautions.
‘It’s a good idea to sign a waiver,? said DeWitt.
‘To make people aware of the danger, or possible danger, is key in protection for yourself or organization. In my opinion, the manufacturer, not the distributor, should be responsible in the case of negligence. Consider, too, where the finances exist in this type of lawsuit’the companies have far more money then some local organization.?
The Holly Youth Assistance still needs help wrapping presents. For details call (248) 634-4273.