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Parents were out in force Monday at the Salvation Army’s Lied Renaissance Center for the organization’s Toyland program, which provides Christmas toys for needy families.
About 2,000 families signed up for the program this year, approximately 250 to 300 more than in 2008, said Salvation Army spokeswoman Susan Eustice.
“There seems to be an increase in families needing this help,” she said. “Tons of toys have shown up from community drives, and we have extended our hours for the first time I know of in 13 years.”
People signed up for the program in November. “They come through, and for each kid they get a primary, secondary and I think a tertiary toy, and then stocking stuffers, gift wrap and they’re out the door,” Eustice said.
Stacks of toys, such as Candy Land games and stuffed animals, were on tables classed by ages and gender as families wandered the room filling bags. Volunteers from local businesses, including Cox Communications and Taco Bell, were helping out.
“Sometimes companies let their staff have off so they can come and do this, and it’s that company’s way of giving back to the community,” said Theresa Christensen, director of Toyland and the Salvation Army’s homeless and behavioural health services director.
Toyland also includes a food gift card to a local grocery store for each family, she said. There are a lot of first-time families in the program this year, as well, she added.
Eighty people an hour go through Toyland.
Funds from the Salvation Army’s red kettles and donations through the community angel trees provide the toys, Eustice said.
“I’m thinking we might be going out tonight and buying some more gifts,” Christensen said.
“You don’t want any child waking up on Christmas morning with absolutely nothing under the tree,” Eustice said.
Donations of new toys are still needed to meet the increased demand. Toys and gifts may be dropped off at any local Hy-Vee store, Omaha fire stations and the Salvation Army, 3612 Cuming St.
Monetary donations can also be made at the red kettles or through www.onlineredkettle.com. Online gifts can be targeted to the Omaha area by zip code.
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