MANSFIELD, Ohio — Toys and volunteers, both are prized commodities sought by the folks at Toy Time heading into the holiday season.
“Our donations for slightly used toys is way down,” said Craig Richardson, who volunteers year-round at the 280 N. Diamond St. facility. “We want a toy to go out of here as if it was new. We tell people, ‘Think of it as though you’re cleaning or repairing or putting together possibly the one-and-only toy you’re going to give to the kid you love most in the entire world.’
“It’s a mindset people have to get into.”
Toy Time has a long history of ringing in the holidays for underprivileged children throughout Richland County. Ken Cole started the organization in 1967. He called it Toys for Tots.
“They tell me he had an army of supporters,” Richardson said.
Six years ago, Cole’s daughter Teresa Boner took over after Ken died. It’s become a family legacy she’s determined to maintain.
The operation evolved as time revealed new needs. Along with the organization’s name, the eligible children’s age range dropped from 12 to 10. Also, the process was reorganized a bit for smoother distribution.
Over the summer a leaky roof was replaced thanks to several donors and the work of Worner Roofing in Ontario.
“We’ve had an increase in families registering the first week (more than 200), so hopefully that’s a sign we’ll be back on the upscale this year,” Boner said.
Last year Toy Time enhanced Christmas for 769 children in 362 families. The previous year more than 1,000 Richland County children were reached.
Richardson reports toy donations have been down the last two years.
“The need is always changing,” he said. “We dropped the age limit because after 10 they’re looking for (more sophisticated) toys.
“But our policy is if you feel you have a need, sign your kid up for toys.”
Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Caregivers can register Richland County children 10-and-younger in need of Christmas toys by contacting Toy Time through Nov. 30. For more information, call Toy Time at 419-522-8900.
Adults should provide a photo ID. Also, each child’s social security number is needed when registering the youngsters.
Distribution dates are Dec. 12 and 13. Every registered child gets at least one new toy, in addition to a number of refurbished toys (based on the amount collected), Richardson said.
Preparations for the program began the last weekend in October when the signature red barrels were placed in different drop-off locations throughout the area. Those items are collected, cleaned, repaired, and sorted for distribution.
Donors are asked to avoid offering stuffed animals or incomplete games or puzzles. Some toys are brought in disassembled, but in a complete set. Putting them back together is a skill Toy Time is looking for in some volunteers.
“It isn’t quantity. We had a girl in here yesterday who put together two Fisher Price sets,” Richardson said. “That’s two more than we would’ve had done without her.
“People who can kit toys or complete a set, that’s our biggest need for volunteers.”
Cleaning and refurbishing toys is something all volunteers pitch in to complete. Many churches and scout troops traditionally lend a hand, too.
On distribution weekend, Dec. 12 and 13 this year, more than 200 people are frequently deployed to help Santa reach those most in need.
Businesses often involved, too. The Phoenix Brewing Company has stepped up this year and others are welcome to join in the spirit of Christmas.
