First State Bank announced that its Share the Joy Holiday Giving Program is now underway. For decades the bank has worked with community members and local organizations to collect and distribute toys and gifts for families in need.
Gifts for toddlers and younger children all the way through teenagers are needed. Those who would like to help can stop at any First State Bank office in New London, Clintonville, Dale, Manawa, Cecil, or Waupun to select an ornament from the tree in the lobby.
That ornament will have the information of the needs and age of the child listed to determine what type of gift to buy. Gifts are asked to be returned to First State Bank by December 8th.
Toys For Tots
Throughout Shawano County, Toys for Tots is gearing up for another holiday season of helping kids within the county. The program got its start in Shawano in 2002, when the Shawano Police Department combined their Crusade For Kids effort with Toys for Tots in order extend their reach of kids they could help. Shawano Police officer Jody Johnson hopes to continue its great efforts this year.
“Our boxes are getting put out and I think we have over 60 businesses that are participating and helping collect toys for the kids,” said Johnson. “I think last year we serviced almost 900 kids. All of our donations that we get for the toys stay in Shawano County and go directly to Shawano County kids.”
Shawano Toys for Tots serves children from birth until 15-years-old, as Officer Johnson explains what kind of donations they look for.
“An unused, unwrapped toy that we can put in our, basically I call it a big store. We are really blessed in this community because we have such generous, generous business people and other people that give monetary donations so we can purchase toys as well. We’re just very fortunate to have a lot of people in Shawano County that care about kids.”
The donation boxes will be picked up around December 12th. Toys for Tots will also be looking for volunteers to help with sorting out the boxes on donation pick-up, as well as on distribution day to go around packing up the gifts. Those interested in volunteering can call (715) 526-2657 to see where they may be of service.
