Every month we keep you in the philanthropic loop with ways you can help in our What Gives segment of Advocate (which should be shortly arriving). But of course, worthy mentions come in after we go to press, so here’s a blog bonus:
This morning I spoke with Lake Highlands neighbor Sue McElveen, a volunteer who is helping organize the annual toy drive for Network of Community Ministries. Unlike a lot of other nonprofits, this one is dedicated solely to helping low-income families here in Richardson ISD — and in fact, about 70 percent of the people they help live in the Lake Highlands area.
This year, Network plans to donate toys to more than 2,000 neighborhood kids, who might not otherwise get any Christmas gifts.
“Last year we helped just under two thousand kids, but we’ve seen a jump this year,” McElveen told me. “We have more teenagers than usual in our program this year. Donations have been slow this year, but it’s gradually picking up. We’re hoping things will continue that way.”
McElveen took inventory of the donation warehouse this morning. After the jump you’ll find a list of the items there’s especially a need for right now, along with details about how you can donate.
Donation needs for teenagers include:
-costume jewelry and jewelry boxes
-fleece throws
-sporting equipment
-books
Donation needs for children include:
-remote control cars
-action figures
-dress up clothes for little girls (tiaras, boas, etc.)
-books
To make a donation, simply bring it to Network anytime during business hours. Donations are collected at the second bay on the backside of the building. If you have any trouble finding that, ask the receptionist at the front desk. And if you have any specific questions, you can call the toy drive hotline at 972.234.5505.
