Toy drive provides toys for Columbia's youth

Toys for those aged 11 to 13 are running short.

By Ryan Schmitz

Published Oct. 24, 2008

Beginning Monday and running through Dec. 19, Columbia Parks and Recreation conduct its annual Holiday Toys for Columbia's Youth drive, which provides toys for low-income families.

"This event was put together to help people who fall between the cracks," Parks and Recreation supervisor Cameron Cross said. "We want to make sure that every child whose family participates in the program can have at least three gifts for the holidays."

According to the American Association of Fundraising Counsel, the average American gave a record $1,021 to charitable causes in 2007.

About half of all charitable donations each year come between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. Charitable donations in the U.S. increased by only 1 percent in 2007, before economic conditions began to worsen.

Cross said the downturn has taken its toll on the program, resulting in fewer donations and more people in need.

"The only things we are asking for now are toys and money," Cross said. "Since this is a regularly scheduled part of our staff's agenda, there isn't as much need for volunteers from the community."

The event is smaller than drives by other organizations such as the Salvation Army. Cross said he makes an effort each year to partner with the organization and expects this year to be slower than pervious years, given the economy.

"A lot fewer people are giving, and more people need gifts," he said.

Although the program accepts any new or gently used toy or gift, Cross said the organization already has many stuffed animals and toys for younger children, but that toys for children aged 11 to 13 are running short.

"Most of the money we receive will go toward buying these items," Cross said.

Donations and financial contributions can be made at the Parks and Recreation office at 1 S. Seventh St.