SOMERS — With private donations and successful stuff-a-cruiser events, the Somers Holiday Toy Shop is set to be a success this year. The toy drive, organized by Somers Human Services, allows families who need a little extra help this season to come and shop from the collected toys to give to their children.
“Somers Human Services would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has donated to Stuff-a-Cruiser and many thanks to Stateline Senior Financial Services, Cutting Loose and Independent Jeeps for coordinating and collecting for toy drives at their place of business,” said Jen Griger, youth services coordinator for the town of Somers. “We could not do this without the support and generosity of our community. Special thanks to the Police Department and DPW for the toy collection, storage and multiple deliveries over the past week to help to make this toy store a success.”
As of Dec. 13, the drive had over 100 children signed up and she expected a few more to be added. The drive has collected a large range of toys, including trucks, dolls, games, craft kits, Legos, bikes, stuffed animals, puzzles, blankets, electronic toys, stocking items and gift cards.
“The toy drive this year has been extremely successful and donors have been incredibly generous,” shared Griger. “There will likely be a few more toys that were dropped off in the cruiser this weekend and brought to us.”
Parents of the children have a scheduled time to come and shop at the store if their children are 12 years old or under. They will be given gift cards for their teenagers.
In a recent interview with Reminder Publishing, Griger noted that while the main goal of the toy drive is to help families provide Christmas gifts for their children, it is also about bringing the community together for a common cause.
“It raises awareness of the needs of our town, strengthens local connections and is an opportunity to have a positive impact on our youth seeing parents and others giving and helping within our community,” explained Griger.
