Beech Tree News Network

Through the Family Resource Center and the Youth Services Center, Toys for Tots facilitated Christmas arrangements for almost 400 children in Butler County.

A collaboration with Toys for Tots made Butler County eligible to receive a shipment of toys, books, and some batteries.  Janel Doyle, the Regional Toys for Tots Director, delivered the items. Several churches, businesses, and individuals made monetary donations to meet the toy count required for the event. The employees of Delta Faucet donated over 100 toys to the drive this year.

Each parent or caregiver has a chance to shop for two age appropriate toys per child when they come to Butler County Toys for Tots. After the toys had been selected parents or caregivers were then able to choose one book per child.  The majority of the books came because of the generous donations of the Butler County Middle School Beta Club which are under the direction of Thomas Harper.  The students and Mr. Harper held a very successful book drive.

Churches and individuals donated board games.  Every family chose one board game to take home.

The Butler County Knitters donated an extensive selection of hats, scarfs, and mittens.  Everyone was able to shop for a warm winter item.

Cash Express helps coordinate the boxes and collects donations across Morgantown.  They secured stuffed animals and the majority of children 4 and under received a stuffed animal.

The last stop for families was the stocking stuffer table.  There were enough stocking stuffers to allow two per child.

Before they left the volunteers, mark all gifts TFT (Toys for Tots) and wrap them.  Real Alloy and WarrenRECC volunteers graciously carried bags of gifts to the car for the families. 

Arranged sponsorships included:
Crossland Church served over 90 families
TVA adopted several families.
The KY State Troopers had a Shop with a Trooper event.
The Morgantown City Police took seven kids shopping.
The VFW Auxillary had an Angel Tree.
Butler County Sherriff Ward sponsored children.

"Every single donation matters.  Every donation is appreciated.  We couldn't even begin to put this event on without the generosity of the citizens of Butler County.  I have been countlessly humbled these past few months.  I would look at the amount of applications we received and compare it with the money and toy pledges, and I could not help but to worry we would not make ends meet.  But, we did.  And we only did because people in this community care and give to this need every year.  It truly is in giving that we receive," said Melissa Glass, Family Resource Director.