Donations sought for Dec. 21 effort

CHESAPEAKE — The Chesapeake Community Mission Outreach is in high need of toys for its  annual Christmas giveaway for the needy.

Ruth Damron, the director of the Chesapeake Community Center, where the giveaway takes place on Dec. 21, said that the group the CMO usually gets toys from has other priorities this year, due to assistance to flood victims in West Virginia, and would not be able to contribute to the Lawrence County efforts.

The annual Christmas event offers food and toys for the holidays to families in need, Damron said.

“We provide food for nearly 700 families and children,” she said. “It’s beginning to look like we will not have as many toys this year as we would like.”

She said despite the shortage, everyone will still get something when the boxes are prepared, but donations are greatly needed.

She said those seeking to contribute can bring in unwrapped toys or make a financial donation.

“We have a contingent that goes out to buy the toys,” she said.

Donations can be taken to the Chesapeake Community Center of mailed to: CMO c/o Chesapeake Community Center, 3748 State Route 7 Chesapeake Ohio 45619.

For more information, call the CMO at 740-867-6628 or the community center at 740-867-4532, Damron said.

Those seeking help for the holidays should register with the CMO by Monday, Nov. 28.

The CMO will be conducting their monthly food giveaway on Nov. 28. Volunteers will begin preparing boxes for the holiday giveaway on Dec. 19.

Damron said those who are registered will receive a card in the mail instructing them of the hours of the giveaway.