By Stephanie Loder
Just like Santa’s elves before Christmas, the volunteers working with the Atlantic County Toys for Kids program are at their busiest this time of year.
For 40 years, the program has worked with Atlantic County businesses to collect toys that are given to area children.
But that’s not all the program does, said Michelle Riordan, the event coordinator for Atlantic County Toys for Kids.
The program is a source of holiday cheer, bringing Santa to residents of nursing homes and hospitals in different Atlantic County communities.
“We visit Shore Medical Center in Somers Point and we bring stuffed animals and toys to children in the pediatric unit,” Riordan said.
“Some children are really sick, so Santa goes to their window and waves to them from outside,” she said.
Last year, Riordan said more than 14,000 toys were collected and distributed in Atlantic County.
The need this year is great, she said.
“We are extremely flooded with requests this year because other organizations have shut down their requests,” Riordan said.
The program normally handles children up to age 10, but Riordan said this year’s requests include some teenagers.
“We’re getting requests for older kids who are 12 and 14. That becomes a challenge and we do our best,” she said.
Greg Depiano serves as President of Atlantic County Toys for Kids.
Depiano, a retired sergeant with the Atlantic County Department of Public Safety, saw a need to get gifts for children at Christmas and rallied the community for help.
Donations support children in communities from Hammonton and Buena Vista Township in western Atlantic County to Atlantic City, Somers Point, and Downbeach.
Contributions also continue year-round to support Atlantic City Shop with a Cop, Egg Harbor Township PAL Shop with a Cop, National Night Out, Parades, Tree Lightings, Hispanic Alliance Three Kings Celebration, Shore Medical Center, Gilda’s Club, Atlantic City Rescue Mission, the Center for Abused Women, Faces of Autism, St. Michael’s Church and the Boys & Girls Club.
Riordan said there are 40 drop box locations for toy donations throughout the area.
“We do our best to fulfill toy requests,” Riordan said. “This year we have some in Hammonton, and we have a lot of returning people who are just amazing.”
Seven volunteers help pick up toys when donation boxes are full and they also help wrap the gifts, she said.
Riordan, the mother of three children, said she became involved because she had time to donate.
“I knew a long time ago that I may not have had a lot of money to donate, but I had the time and the kids learned the value of helping others,” she said.
Several events are scheduled to raise money for the toy program, including a Beef & Beer fundraiser from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 20 at Maynard’s Café in Margate. Tickets cost $40 and include beef, beer, wine and soda, a cash bar and music. For more information, contact Greg at 609-226-1560.
The deadline is Dec. 1 for Christmas gift donation requests which must be made online at www.toysforkidsprogram.org and identification – such as a driver’s license, state of New Jersey ID card, birth certificate, or school records – is required from adults and children.
Stephanie is a freelance writer with 40 years experience covering NJ news for The Asbury Park Press, The Courier Post, The Catholic Star Herald and The Press of AC. Email her at stephanieloder59@hotmail.com
