Over 900 Families Receive Toys
December 18, 2008 by Mike
Eric Halvorson helps a mom pick out toys for her children
Over 900 Indiana families benefited from the annual Salvation Army Toy Shop. The one day event was the result of weeks of toy donations and collections around Indianapolis.
Long time partners, WISH-TV8, once again collected toys through its WISH Tree program, and area businesses collected toys through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. Toys were also collected outside of Lucas Oil Stadium before the Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals game. In addition to the toy collections, more than $15,000 was donated for the purchase of toys. All together, more than 13,000 toys were either collected or purchased for use at the Toy Shop.
Families benefiting from the program went through an application process in order to be eligible to receive toys. Last year, about 700 families applied for the program. This year more than 1000 families applied.
Over 100 volunteers and on air personalities from WISH-TV helped families “shop” for gifts for their children. WARM 93.9 also played Christmas music for those waiting to shop. In a year of economic uncertainty, there was concern on whether or not The Salvation Army would be able to meet the increased need. The end result: our most successful Toy Shop to date. Our thanks to WISH-TV, the Colts, our Angel Tree partners, our volunteers, and the thousands of Hoosiers who donated.
I heard about your Angel Tree Program through some research and a telephone call. I am very happy to be here with you. I have nieces and nephews who are at the age where they might like to be apart of your Pick a Toy Program.
Tell me how to get these wonderful kids a toy this Christmas?
It’s easy. You can go to IndyWISHTree.org or you can contact our Event Coordinator, Crissy Testa, at 317-224-1017. Thanks for your help!