Brandon Twp.-Christmas is coming and Santa needs help in delivering toys to some area children.
The Community Christmas Toy Store is seeking donations to brighten the season for low-income families in the Brandon School District.
‘Even though the economy is getting better, the need is still there,? said Linda Mizejweski, president of CCTS, a non-profit organization in its fifth year of collecting toys and cash donations with which to purchase gifts for children at the holidays. ‘People may have a job, but they are the working poor. A car repair or doctor bill sets them back and with Christmas coming, they don’t have extra money for stuff for their kids.?
CCTS places toy donation boxes around town at busi-nesses, churches and schools, hoping they will be filled with gifts by residents wishing to help their less fortunate neighbors. Toys are collected and then organized in a ‘toy store? in which low-income parents who have applied for help can select gifts for their children.
Last year, CCTS provided presents for more than 250 kids in the Brandon School District.
‘It makes me feel really good for the kids, but also the parents, knowing that on Christmas morning, the children will have gifts to open,? said Mizejewski.
CCTS needs help to make smiles happen and accepts donations donations of toys for newborns up to age 12. The organization asks for gifts in the $20-$30 range and tries to provide at least one book, one board game and three or four toys for each child. Popular gifts last year included Thomas the Train, Disney’s Frozen, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, remote control cars and trucks, Doc McStuffins, Monster High, WWF action figures, Legos, Leap Frog educational toys, Barbies, G.I. Joes, I Spy, Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, Skylanders, arts and crafts supplies, iPods, puzzles, Transformers, Nerf toys, and health and beauty items including bubble bath, nail polish, blow dryers and flat irons.
There is a particular need for gifts for both boys and girls in the 9-12 year-old age range.
Mabelena’s will be providing pillowcases sewn by clients and is seeking cash donations for pillows for children. Brandon Woodworkers are crafting wooden toys for donations as well.
Cash donations and new toys will be collected for CCTS through Dec. 10 and volunteers are needed to help set up the toy store on Dec. 10-11 at St. Anne Church, 825 S. Ortonville Road. Special shoppers will also use cash donations to purchase toys in needed age groups. To find out how you can help, contact Linda at 248-627-2641. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 733, Ortonville, MI 48462. Make checks payable to CCTS.
Toy donation sites around town include all Brandon schools, most churches and area businesses.