Volunteers (L-R) Nancy Shirley, Ellen McNulty and Marilyn Niklas helping a customer check out at the Loving Hearts Annual Toy Sale Dec. 7.
More than 20 volunteers helped with this year's Toy Sale Dec. 7. Loving Hearts volunteers sorted donations, set up and tore down the event, wrapped gifts and assisted customers. One of the first-time volunteers said she was impressed with how considerate and appreciative everyone was who attended. She added how thankful she is to the community for their donations throughout the year that make the Toy Sale such a blessing to the community.
By Pathfinder Staff
SEELEY LAKE - By 5:25 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, the lobby at Mission Bible Fellowship was full. This year's annual Loving Hearts Toy Sale drew more than 100 people who, within a half an hour of the doors opening at 5:30 p.m., had Christmas gifts for their loved ones purchased and wrapped.
With nearly 20 tables full of toys and everything priced under $5 with few exceptions, the season of gift giving was a little more affordable for many local families.
One volunteer recalled an older woman who came in with her grandchildren's Christmas lists. A little bewildered, she told the volunteer that she didn't know what any of the items on the lists were. However since there was so much stuff to choose from at the Toy Sale, she bought what she thought they would like.
Other customers were young parents and children. One volunteer said it just melted her heart to see the children head for the table with the fleece blankets.
"One little girl just had the biggest smile on her face. She had her blanket and she was walking around," said another volunteer. "This is why we do this!"
"It was like locust descending because it happened so fast," said Loving Hearts Manager Mary Newpower adding within five minutes they were already taking down tables.
"It was really a good night and everyone had a lot of fun. People seemed very satisfied."
Continued on Page 5
Newpower estimated 70% of the items for the Toy Sale are donated. Volunteers select the best items throughout the year, clean them up, and make sure they work. Newpower also purchased toys at after-holiday sales and other clearances.
This year instead of purchasing remote controlled cars and dolls, Newpower purchased science and craft activities and games that the family could enjoy together.
"Those seemed to be very well received," Newpower said.
As she has done in the past, local resident Colleen Starman handmade knitted gloves and hats and fleece scarves as well as handbags and quilts made out of old jeans.
"She always gives us a donation of those," Newpower said adding how generous Starman is with her time and talents.
This year, Loving Hearts also received a large donation of socks of all different sizes and designs.
"We were able to give everyone socks for the whole family and still have some left over that we will probably give to the school," Newpower said.
While the Toy Sale is not intended to be a moneymaker, Newpower said they did make a profit again this year. The proceeds will be used to purchase toys for next year's sale. Items that were not purchased will be donated to the Seeley Lake Elementary for their Christmas Store and the Seeley Lake Lions Club as prizes for their Easter Egg Hunt.
Many of the volunteers said that the Toy Sale is one of the highlights of their year.
"It is such a great opportunity to help out the community," the volunteers agreed. "It was such a great success."
Reader Comments(0)