Written by Tyler Meyers
On an early morning in December, children around the world will wake to an array of gifts lying in wait for them outside of their bedroom. Greeted with new novelties and playthings, they will stay entertained for weeks and months in the future. However, some children are not able to experience this holiday magic due to a variety of circumstances, and so will not be met with that new toy or that memory of a magical morning.
This is a situation The Zipper Junction Project aims to remedy through holding an annual toy drive. They collect donations of new toys and distribute them to children- ages 0-18- in Wayne and Pike counties that would normally not be granted this privilege. Furthermore, when a child in that situation receives a toy, they will treasure it eternally because of the few other playthings they own.
The toys they give out are not free unfortunately. The Zipper Junction Project asks for the community to help spread the holiday magic through a donation of a new and unwrapped toy brought to one of their toy drop-off sites. From Barbies to Hot Wheels, they will find a home and a child for each and every toy. And if a person wants to donate yet do not know which toy is best to purchase, The Zipper Junction Project collects monetary donations and uses the money to buy toys that they may have a deficit of so they can provide to boys and girls of all ages.
No matter who is interested in being included, there are opportunities for anybody. People who are in need of toys or want to donate to the cause, businesses or organizations offering to be a toy drop-off site, holiday events that need a recipient for their proceeds, and those who represent a school or want to be a sponsor should go to ZipperJunction.org to learn how to become a part of the process. The website also holds all of their current toy drop-off sites and forms to become a recipient that are open until October 31st.
In short, this is an incredible program that allows any person to give back to the community. Whether it be through a $5 doll or a $20 remote control car, even the smallest toy will make an enormous impact in a child’s holiday season.
Any questions or needed assistance can be found through their contacts via email at TheHolidayToyDrive@ZipperJunction.org or by call at (570) 390-7066.
