The Spencer County Toys for Tots program, Christian Resource Center, Owensboro Salvation Army, South Spencer Kiwanis Club, Women’s Tri-Kappa of Rockport and local law enforcement came together Friday afternoon to distribute toys and holiday cheer in Rockport City Park. The effort included everything from traditional bags of gifts for kids to Christmas hams for local families. Richland Christian Church also prepared stockings filled with candy to ensure everyone gets some treats for the holidays. More than 500 toys were gathered for 200 individual gift packages, and hams provided for 87 local families.
Volunteers from across the community braved a steady, cold rain to load up vehicles as they circled the park. According to Executive Director for the Christian Resource Center Dee Denu, gift bags were handed out for around 200 area kids that day to appreciate when the time comes to open presents. Toys were furnished by the Salvation Army of Owensboro, Women’s Tri-Kappa of Rockport and the Rockport Police Department for the event, with hams provided by the Kiwanis Club. Gift bags were decorated by the Spencer County Library to help make for a festive sight on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
These local groups worked in concert with the wider Toys for Tots program. Organized by the U.S. Marines and founded in 1947, this initiative has spread across the country. Toys for Tots estimates an average distribution of 18 million toys to 7 million less fortunate children every year. An estimated 604 million toys have been provided for 272 million children through the program since its inception.
Story and photos by Don Steen
