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The holiday season is fast approaching, and Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) and Friends of Lucas County
Children Services (FLCCS) are kicking off their annual Holiday Gift Drive.
With a goal of providing holiday cheer to as many as 2,000 abused and neglected children being served by LCCS, this year’s theme is “Share the Joy.”
The drive, which runs through Dec. 15, provides gifts for children living with their families under LCCS supervision, or who are living with relatives in order to be safe.
“In 2010, we’ve seen abuse and neglect cases continue to rise in Lucas County,” explains Sherry Dunn, LCCS public information specialist and campaign coordinator. “The area’s economic situation has placed more strain on families, and family stress is a big contributor to child abuse and neglect. We want to make sure that kids who have been through these tough times have something to be happy about this holiday season,” she said.
The gift drive provides toys for children from birth to age 18. While the agency is seeking gifts for all age groups, there is a particular need for gifts for children of all ethnic groups who are newborn to 4 years old, and gift cards for teenagers.
Those who would like to help are invited to drop a new, unwrapped toy in the collection boxes located around the community, including:
• All Toledo-area Burger King restaurants.
• Banner Mattress & Furniture locations at 5200 Monroe St., Sylvania; 6400 Hill Ave. and 2521 West Alexis Rd., Toledo; 3249 Navarre Ave., Oregon; 10005 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg; and 1135 South Main St., Bowling Green.
• The Blade office at 541 North Superior Street, Toledo.
• Buckeye CableSystem bill payment centers located at 5566 Southwyck Boulevard and 2600 West Sylvania Ave. in Toledo, and at 3021 Navarre Ave., Oregon, inside computerXTREME.
• Woodcraft, 5311 Airport Highway, Toledo.
On Saturday, Dec. 4, 101.5 The River morning show hosts Mary Beth Zolik and Rick Woodell will broadcast live from the Burger King at 4870 Monroe St. (across from Westfield Shopping Mall) from 1 to 3 p.m. The public is encouraged to stop by and support the gift drive during that time.
“This should be one of the busiest shopping days of the season, and we’re hoping that people will show they care about abused and neglected children. We invite them to visit Burger King and at the same time, drop off a toy or gift card,” says Beverly Benner, vice president, marketing and administration for Bennett Management Corp.
“We are hoping that with the awareness our partners will bring to this campaign, that Toledo-area residents will open their hearts and help us reach our goal of providing toys to all of the children in need,” says Clare Armbruster, president of Friends of Lucas County Children Services.
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