Christmas Program in Need of Volunteers and Donations

Although barely into the fall season, the busy elves at Connecting Henry are gearing up work to make sure that Christmas is bright for area children in need. The annual Community Cares Christmas Toy Shop preparation is underway and officials are looking for donations of toys, money and gift cards as well as volunteers for a number of positions.

The program recently acquired warehouse space and the next step is putting toy donation boxes in all County buildings and other government buildings throughout Henry County. The toys collected will stay right here in Henry County and go to our littlest residents to make Christmas a little brighter.

Decorated boxes will be placed in strategic locations in County offices and buildings, as well as in various city and municipal buildings, including Hampton City Hall, Locust Grove City Hall, McDonough City Hall, the McDonough Welcome Center and Stockbridge City Hall. Boxes will also be placed at Moseley Recreation Center, Fairview Recreation Center, Locust Grove Recreation Center and the Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Park, as well as the Dollar General on Regency Plaza Blvd. in McDonough and the Walmart on Willow Lane in McDonough, the Georgia Federal Credit Union on North Park Trail in Stockbridge and the Great American Cookie Company at Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove. The collection boxes will be decorated and clearly marked. Boxes are expected to be in place between mid and late October.Susan Crumbley said a host of volunteers are still needed, starting with people who can decorate the collection boxes. She asks anyone interested in using their artistic talents to contact her immediately.

The Community Cares Christmas Toy Shop is a new version of the former Connecting Henry Christmas program that was revamped last year, which helps provide Christmas gifts and other resources for families in need. Last year’s program was a huge success, thanks in part to the generosity of donors and volunteers who made a difference in the lives of more than 850 Henry County children. Unfortunately, the need this year is expected to be just as great, as Connecting Henry is increasing the age of eligibility to 16, as opposed to age 12. In addition to box decorators, volunteers are being sought for all facets of the Christmas program, from interviewing clients to wrapping gifts and sorting toys in the Toy Shop. There is also a need for those who can volunteer some time helping to create and construct the Toy Shop.

Toys may be dropped in the collection boxes and monetary and gift card donations may be sent to Connecting Henry at 66 Veterans Dr., McDonough, GA 30253 or online at www.henrycounty-ga.com/connectinghenry.  To find out how your time and talents can make a difference this Christmas season, or for more information, call 770.288.6230 or email connectinghenry2@co.henry.ga.us.

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