A Christmas for Every Child accepting donations

FOSTORIA — For many children, there is no greater feeling than that of waking up on Christmas morning and tearing the wrapping off a shiny new toy.With that in mind, local organizers have again joined forces for the 22nd annual A Christmas for Every Child.A Christmas for Every Child collects new toys for Fostoria children whose families may not be able to afford presents for the biggest gift-giving day of the year.Under the program, Fostoria City Schools, the Geary Family YMCA and Kaubisch Memorial Public Library work together with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots to collect and distribute toys to children throughout Fostoria.From now through Dec. 8, new toys can be dropped off at one of several locations throughout the city where A Christmas for Every Child Toys for Tots box is located. In Fostoria, those locations include Earl Foust American Legion Post 73, AMVETS Post 69, Big Bear Muffler, the Geary Family YMCA, Huntington Bank, Independence House, Java's Enchanted Bean, Kaubisch Memorial Public Library, Kemosabes Roadhouse Grill, KeyBank, the Knights of Columbus, the Mennel Milling Company, Morgan Advanced Materials, Ohio Logistics, Old Fort Bank, Pantry Plus of Seneca County, ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital, R Place Sports Bar and Grill, Reineke Ford, the Roppe Holding Company, Superior Credit Union and the UrbanWoody Brewery. Other drop-off locations are Bettsville American Legion Post 733, Dollar General and Old Fort Bank in Bettsville, and the First Church of God and Dollar General in Risingsun."A Christmas for Every Child is a fantastic initiative that not only brings joy to children, but also strengthens community bonds," Fostoria City Schools Superintendent Jason Longbrake said. "The impact of giving — both for the donors and the recipients — truly highlights the spirit of the holidays. It's heartwarming to see communities come together to support one another in such meaningful ways."Donated toys will be organized and set up as a toy store in December at the Geary Family YMCA, where parents can shop for gifts. Families who qualify through Fostoria City Schools will be given a time to go to the toy store. Information on applying for assistance will be sent electronically to parents of students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade."Fostoria is a very generous community when there is a need and the toy drive is no exception," Kaubisch Memorial Public Library Director Scott Scherf said. "It's amazing to see parents come to the toy store and pick out toys to give to their child for Christmas. That alone makes A Christmas for Every Child worthwhile every year."In partnership with A Christmas for Every Child, the Kiwanis Club of Fostoria is once again looking to put books in the hands of local youth this Christmas. The club will be collecting new books for children ages 2 through 12 that will be distributed during the toy drive.A Christmas for Every Child began 22 years ago with the purpose of providing Christmas presents to every child in need in Fostoria. In conjunction with Toys for Tots, the organization now has 501(c)3 status. This will allow donors to provide a tax-deductible gift.Checks can be made payable to the Geary Family YMCA, which also is a 501(c)3 organization, or to Toys for Tots with "Fostoria Christmas for Every Child" written on the memo line, and dropped off at the YMCA. Cash donations may also be dropped off at the YMCA during its regular business hours of 5 a.m., to 8 p.m., on Mondays through Fridays, and 7 a.m., to 1 p.m., on Saturdays.Donated money will be used to purchase additional boys for age groups that may not have as many toys donated as needed.The annual toy drive last year helped more than 500 children experience the magic of opening a Christmas gift.Amber Herbert, one of the program organizers, said she hopes A Christmas for Every Child will be able to collect enough toys to ensure that every eligible Fostoria child has a gift this Christmas."I realize Christmas isn't just about gifts, but it does add something extra special for these kids and helps bring alive the magic of Christmas," Herbert said. "When times are tough, that magic can dim, but it is our hope to keep that magic alive in the hearts of all those we serve."She noted that the magic can only come alive with the community's help."I am continually amazed at the generosity Fostoria and area residents have for the needs of the community," she said. "I am praying they will come through again and step up as they always do and meet the need as they always have."