Area officials have begun a Toys for Tots give-away campaign this year – thanks to help from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

Friday, November 23, 2001

Area officials have begun a Toys for Tots give-away campaign this year – thanks to help from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

"As you know, the last couple of years the shelter has started a Christmas toy give-away," said Ruthanne Delong, director of the Lawrence County Domestic Violence Task Force and Helping Hands Haven domestic violence victims shelter.

"We will again be doing the toy give-away for needy families," Mrs. Delong said. "For the last time, we will receive toys from Toys for Tots, through the state attorney general."

The task force and shelter will accept names of needy families that can receive toys, but only through a referring agency, she said.

"The toy give-away is based on the amount of toys we receive from the Toys for Tots as well as donations we receive from private donors, churches and corporations."

The shelter and task force workers, volunteers and others want all children to have a merry Christmas, so presents are wrapped individually, names are place on the gifts and gifts are delivered to the homes of the children, Mrs. Delong said.

"We want the child to feel special in knowing that we are Santa’s helpers and we are just delivering for him," she said.

The task force and shelter are accepting donations for the toy give-away.

The deadline for names to be submitted is Dec. 14. Referring agencies may call the office at 532-7284, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Also, those wishing to donate may contact the agency and/or Mrs. Delong at that same number to make arrangements.