The 2016 Valley Toys 4 Kids Campaign is underway and TEAM, Inc. is hoping to provide more than 1,300 needy Valley children with something special under their Christmas tree this year.
This campaign collects new, unwrapped toys for under-served children in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.
More than 80 TEAM volunteers celebrated the spirit of caring and giving at the annual Toys 4 Kids kickoff breakfast hosted by Emmett O’Brien Technical School Culinary Department. Breakfast was prepared and served by the Senior Class Culinary Students.
The annual Toys for tots program provides thousands of Christmas toys for children from low-income families across the Valley - children who otherwise might “go without” during the holidays.
“Many of our children suffer the effects of poverty every day, continuously going without, knowing that luxuries like new toys are simply not available to them," TEAM Executive Vice President Diane Stroman said.
"When families are struggling, they have to make decisions during this time of year between paying for heat and rent or buying the children Christmas toys. The Toys 4 Kids toy drive ensures that every child can have a good Christmas.”
Last year due to the generosity of the community, TEAM provided 1,200 children with toys to place under their Christmas trees.
Donations of new unwrapped toys to Toys4Kids can be dropped off at TEAM, Inc. headquarters, 30 Elizabeth St., Derby, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and at various drop-off sites throughout the Valley.
Financial donations are accepted and should be sent to TEAM, Inc., Valley Toys 4 Kids Campaign, 30 Elizabeth St., Derby, CT. 06418.
“Christmas is a difficult time of year for the families we serve due to the expense and expectations of the season," said David Morgan, TEAM President/CEO.
“Parents surviving on low incomes are often overwhelmed trying to fit the expense of gifts into an already stretched budget. Toys 4 Kids assists parents or guardians in providing presents to their children during tough economic times. Our message is that Christmas should be fun and not just about survival.
"Contributions to TEAM’s Toys 4 Kids Toy Drive help our families provide a festive holiday for their children.”
Applications for the program are being accepted weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 15 at TEAM, Inc.’s headquarters, 30 Elizabeth St., Derby.
Parents/Guardians who apply for the program must meet low income eligibility requirements and provide identification and proof of residence for themselves and a birth certificate or Social Security card for their children.
For information on donations, volunteering, or the application process, contact Diane Stroman at dstroman@teaminc.org or 203-736-5420 ext. 234.
This is a press release from TEAM Inc., a private, 501c (3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families.
TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour and Woodbridge.
Drop off sites listed below:
