There are just a few days left for you to be part of the ABC7 toy drive for kids in Child Protective Services all across the Panhandle. These children have experienced some really rough times, and Rebecca Robinson, Foster/Adoptive Development Supervisor in Region 1, says a simple toy can make a huge difference on Christmas.
“To watch the little faces light up, that Santa did bring them something, or there is something under the tree with their name on it, these gifts that the toy drive provides allows us to have these extra gifts for those kids,” Robinson said.
While many of us growing up might have taken the excitement of Christmas morning for granted, Robinson says the kids in the foster system definitely do not. She says the gifts don’t need to be elaborate or expensive, and if you’re not sure what age group you’re buying for, it’s for babies through high school age.
“Some of our girls like makeup, and sometimes that’s an added expense we don’t think about, or some jewelry, or some fun crafts that they can build, or art supplies,” she said.
She also says, when you donate to this toy drive, you aren’t just making Christmas special for the children, you’re also helping relieve some of the burden on family members who might have been suddenly thrust into the role of caregiver.
“Although our relatives have stepped up, some of them aren’t exactly expecting the added expense of providing Christmas for these kids, and that’s what the toy drive does,” Robinson said.
The toy drive ends Friday, December 6. Until then, toys can be dropped off at the ABC7 studio downtown, or with our corporate partners, Raising Cane’s and Happy State Bank’s branches on Soncy, Coulter, and Tascosa Road.
Toys will also be collected during the Center City Electric Light Parade in Amarillo. Toys can be dropped off at our parade broadcast table next to the Courtyard Marriott, or they can be handed to members of the ABC7 News team as they walk alongside our parade float.