The Toy Giveaway (also known as the toy and food distribution), takes place mid-December in the Activity Center at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds (in Jefferson).
Throughout the fall months, the Christmas Neighbors collect and campaign for donations of new toys, wrapping paper, gloves, scarves, hats and blankets in addition to food stuff. The goal is to not only provide participants with gifts for the holidays but also a complete holiday meal. Aside from donations, the group must also spend thousands of dollars to purchase new toys from discount stores each year.
On the day of distribution, accepted families are assigned an hour to select their items at various stations. From the new toy area, families may select up to 2 new toys per child (a total value of up to $50 per child). From the used toy area, families may also select one additional toy per child.
But distribution doesn’t stop with toys…Families may also select one blanket and one item per family from the used housewares and holiday décor area. Each child in the family will also receive a hat, a pair of mittens and a scarf for the cold, winter months.
The family is also sent home with a box of food, complete with canned and dry goods as well as some perishable items as well (such as ham or turkey). The Christmas Neighbors also provide each family with a roll of paper to wrap gifts for the children to open on Christmas.
Through the Adopt-A-Family program individuals, families or workplaces are matched with an area family for whom to play “Santa”.
The sponsor (family, business or person) will select the size family for whom they would like to provide the following: a complete Christmas meal, an age-appropriate toy of approximately $35-$40 value (per child in the family) and whatever else they wish to give to make that family’s holiday bright.
The Adopt-A-Family program is a more personal way of giving as the sponsor will purchase for their selected family and then deliver the gifts and food to their door.
Christmas Neighbors of Jefferson County, Inc
PO Box 177, Jefferson, WI 53549
920-674-4499
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