An annual tradition on the Lakeshore is back to help support local children during the holidays.
The Lakeshore Foster Families & Friends Care 4 Kids Toy Drive officially began on Monday (November 9th) and will run through December 9th.
The items collected during the event will then be distributed to children and young adults experiencing out-of-home care.
One of the event’s organizers, Michael Christian of Christian and Associates, tells us what kind of items should be considered for donations.
“Donation-wise, it’s anything toys or gifts related,” he explained. “We’re looking for toys and games and puzzles and coloring things. So, think of like children all the way up to adult age that would be in that foster and kinship care program.”
Lakeshore Foster Families & Friends started as clients of Christian, but he tells us he had to get involved.
“This really struck me because it stays here at home and it’s kind of a unique cause; it stays right here in the Lakeshore community,” Christian stated. “So, really the campaign is about making sure that children in our community have something special to really look forward to for the holidays.”
Christian also said the best part of the entire program is seeing the looks on the faces of the young people as they get to celebrate without worry.
“It’s super impactful. I mean, if anyone has ever been a part of this, it’s a really unique opportunity just seeing them being able to pick out a gift or things that they really need,” he told us. “Not all of it is, you know, toys and games and stuff. There’s toiletries and things like that. It’s really, really impactful to see some of those kids go in because they may be in transition and holidays, unfortunately, aren’t at the top of their list during that time of year.”
Drop-off sites for donations are dispersed throughout Manitowoc and Two Rivers, including at the Seehafer Broadcasting Office located at 3750 Mangin Street in Manitowoc.
A wish list of items can be found online by visiting lakeshorefosterfamilies.org.
Those making donations are asked not to wrap gifts beforehand.
