Christmas is right around the corner, and the Christmas Toy Drive is in need of more toys.
This is the second year the Central Baptist Association has overseen the Toy Drive after the Rescue Squad handed over the reins last year. Central Baptist Association director of missions Jim Ramsey said last year went really well.
“Last year we had 464 children and they all got seven or eight nice gifts each so we’re hoping that we can do that again,” said Ramsey.
Toys are trickling in a little slower this year and toy donations are always welcome.
“Last year we were pretty full by this time, but people are starting to call and ask if they can bring in toys. It doesn’t matter if it is one toy or 100, we don’t care,” said Ramsey.
There are many different ways to donate. The toy must be new and can be dropped off at any drop off center. The drop off points are the Central Baptist Association on Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Free Bird Bail Bonds on Beersheba Hwy. and at Security Finance. If you cannot find a way to get the toys to any of these locations call 931-668-3690 or 931-607-4304 and speak to Ramsey. He will make sure the toys get collected.
McMinnville Motorcycle riders will also be set up outside Walmart on Black Friday accepting donations. Toys or monetary donations will be accepted.
To sign up to receive toys, individuals can visit any of the sign-up locations. All that is needed is the child’s birth certificate number. Starting Nov. 19 through Nov. 26, sign-ups will be at Campaign Rock Island First Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The birth certificate will help keep track of who is getting toys.
“We don’t want anyone to do without, but we have to kind of keep track of who’s getting what,” said Ramsey.
If there are any questions about the sign-up process, call or visit the Central Baptist Association.
The Toy Run will be on Dec.10, and the pickup day for the toys will be Monday, Dec. 19 at Campaign/Rock Island First Baptist Church located at 461 Friendship Dr. in Rock Island.
