Jones County Toys for Tots is gearing up to finalize everything to give children in Jones County a little bit of Christmas, and they are still asking for donations and volunteers from the community.
Shana Backus, the coordinator for Jones County Toys for Tots, said she’s excited to help many families in Jones County this year.
“We have two big events coming up with Toys for Tots on Dec.
10,” she said. “The Jones Cruisers will do a cruise in at Ingles and Magnolia State Bank at 10 a.m., then the County Line Auction by Watson Plumbing will be doing a motorcycle ride and a toy auction starting at 10 a.m.”
She said applications for Toys for Tots are now closed. She said they are still in need of donations, especially for older children. Those age ranges are 13 years old and up.
She said they typically like baseball caps, makeup items, Bath & Body Works, costume jewelry, remote control helicopters, headphones, and fishing and sporting goods.
The coordinator said if people want to purchase a toy and drop it off, they can visit the website to find out where the locations are. She said the Chamber of Commerce and the Government Center are two of the locations.
To look up a location, visit https:// gray-ga.toysfortots.org.
“People should donate, because it brings a sense of pride to be able to take care of the less fortunate we have throughout the community. What is raised in Jones County, stays in Jones County. Our community always steps up,” the coordinator said.
Backus said the last day for people in the community to donate is Dec. 16. She said the last distributions will be Dec. 19 and 20. She said she is looking for volunteers to help pack bags out at Watson Plumbing.
“The high school JROTC helped us at our last distribution and the Junior Leadership Jones helped us pack and sort, too. It was a tremendous help. The Gray Garden Club has been a huge help also,” Backus said. “FBLA wants to help and the Rotary Club is coming to help, but we still do need more volunteers. If anyone wants to help even for 30 minutes, we would be grateful.”
She said people can apply to be a volunteer on the website. She said it’s good for people to volunteer, because it gives others, especially the next generation, a chance to step up. She said it shows people how grateful they should be for what they do have.
Capt. Michael McMillan said Cadet First Lt. Abigayle Guyton initiated this year’s Jones County High School Toys for Tots fundraiser from the JROTC Greyhound battalion. Her vision was to have a small, school-wide drive, but it evolved into support from the JCHS Future Teachers of GA and the student council. The White Christmas play organizers also teamed up with the campaign, and all toy donations went to Toys for Tots from the two sold-out shows.
Backus said she would like to thank Gray Gables, New Damascus Baptist, African-American Veterans of Foreign Wars, and WoodmenLife Lodge # 542 for their contributions and support.
She said she is grateful for everyone who has helped Jones County Toys for Tots this year, and she can’t wait until the children in Jones County see their Christmas gifts.
“It can be overwhelming every year I do this, but the best part about this is just seeing how everyone reaches out and works together,” she said. “Seeing this community rally around this cause is great. There is definitely a need for Toys for Tots in Jones County.
I’m so thankful we can help these families in some form.”
