MANSFIELD – Nothing is more evident of the season of giving than the myriad of volunteers who come out to shop for Toy Time during the holidays.
The Toy Time warehouse was bustling with activity on Saturday morning as more than 100 volunteers showed up to help direct traffic, load cars and shop for local families in need. It’s a scene that brings joy to director Teresa Boner every year.
“I enjoy seeing everybody have fun,” Boner said. “It’s all about the kids.”
Volunteers for Toy Time come from all ages and all walks of life. For 10-year-old Channon Cundiff, who was on the hunt for Ninja Turtle and Pokemon toys, this is her first year volunteering.
“It’s really fun,” said the Shelby Middle School student. “I think it’s fun to help people out.”
But Toy Time wouldn’t be the same without the two longest-serving volunteers, 83-year-old Barb Scott and 89-year-old Jan Timkham. Both ladies have been volunteering at Toy Time for almost 50 years.
“I think it’s fantastic,” Scott said. “I love the hugs, people always shake your hand and say thank you.”
“We love it,” Timkham added. “It’s so much fun, and I can’t wait to see the kids.”
Other volunteers have grown up around Toy Time. For Mansfield native Kathy Walter, she volunteered as a kid with her father. Now, she comes with her two Boy Scout sons, ages 13 and 16.
“They’re learning to give back to the community, and they do a lot of volunteer stuff,” Walter said. “They like coming down here to meet new people, and they recognize us from last year.”
Volunteering for Toy Time has come full-circle for Carletta Allen. Though she is a shopper now, she was once an applicant herself.
“I’m the parent who used to stand outside with her children in the cold and receive toys for my kids,” Allen said. “But this year, I said I have to give back.”
Allen’s four children are grown now. She spends her time giving back to the community through teaching Sunday School as well as volunteering for Toy Time.
“I love that we come together as a team, with the smiles and joyfulness,” Allen said. “It’s very joyful here.”
Volunteers like Cundiff, Timkham, Scott, Walter and Allen are responsible for bringing the joy to 351 area families this year through Toy Time. Applications for Toy Time were received all throughout the month of November, with no stipulation other than needing a little help for Christmas this year.
According to Boner, these applicants will receive toys for their children on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Toys come from local donors, and shoppers search for three items on each applicant’s wish list.
“When you outgrow your toys, what else are you going to do with them?” Boner said. “Instead of throwing them away, let someone else play with them.”
