“All children want to believe in the magic of Christmas, and all children want to know there’ll be something for them,” said Donna Seed,
MORE THAN 2,000 ABUSED OR NEGLECTED CHILDREN OR those undergoing other hardships will have presents to unwrap Christmas morning, thanks to Lucas County Children Services and its companion nonprofit—and the generosity of the greater Toledo community.
“All children want to believe in the magic of Christmas, and all children want to know there’ll be something for them,” said Donna Seed, LCCS interim executive director, of the LCCS Holiday Gift Drive. “Our children are no different.”
“We think every child deserves to have presents on Christmas morning,” said Clare Armbruster, president of Friends of Lucas County Children Services, a separate nonprofit helping LCCS. “Every child deserves the happy memories that we all had. It’s more important for these children because they have endured abuse, neglect, or other hardships.”
“Any child associated with our agency is eligible for gifts,” Seed said. That includes newborns to those aged 18 and, in some instances, those aged 21, she said.
The gifts are mostly toys for younger children and gift cards for teens. “Dolls, action figures, learning toys, Legos, and arts and craft kits. Sporting equipment, like footballs and basketballs,” Armbruster said—but please no toy guns.
Kevin Milliken, LCCS public information officer, said the website lucaskids.net/holiday-gift-drive has three clickable ways people can contribute: a printable list of suggested toys and items, an Amazon wish list where toys can be ordered online and sent directly to LCCS, and an online financial giving option.
Armbruster said LCCS benefits from companies, churches, and schools conducting gift drives. “It’s overwhelming so far as the community’s generosity. The last couple of years the support has been better and better. People recognize the need.” She added that Friends has a link on its website for those who want to donate or help otherwise: friendsoflccs.org/donate/.
LCCS has several drop-off points for gift donations:
• LCCS offices at 705 Adams St., downtown Toledo.
• Burger King restaurants in Toledo, Holland, Maumee, Northwood, Oregon, and Lambertville, Mich.
• Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St., Toledo (pick an ornament from the wish trees).
• La-Z-Boy Furniture stores, 5804 Airport Hwy. and 5173 Monroe St., Toledo.
• Toledo Auto Care, 4544 Monroe St., 5329 Heatherdowns Blvd., and at B&L Whitehouse Auto Care, 10829 Logan St., Whitehouse.
• All Toledo-area Yark Automotive Group locations.
• WTOL studios, 730 N. Summit St., Toledo (during regular business hours).
“There are many opportunities to say hi and drop off toys,” Milliken said. “Whatever works for them [donors] works for us. We ask that they participate as they are able.”
LCCS caseworkers get wish lists from the children and try to match up the gifts as best as possible. Presents then are delivered to the caregiver or parent to wrap.
“The gifts are coordinated through caseworkers or Kevin,” Seed said. Families and caseworkers are instrumental in delivering the gifts. “It’s a very organized effort, and we perfect it every year.”
Seed and Armbruster each said the goal is to provide every child with at least three gifts. Milliken added that other items, like books, coats, gloves, or hats, are given as needed and separate from the other gifts.
Armbruster added that Friends conducts a holiday party in early December at the Toledo Zoo for smaller children and their caregivers. She expects about 400 children. “They have a nice meal, get a present, have a photo taken with Santa, and then enjoy the Lights Before Christmas,” she said. This party wasn’t held the past two years because of COVID-19. Armbruster’s closing message: “These children have experienced such adversity in their lives, we’re trying to give them a happy holiday. Every little bit counts.”
Seed added, “We’re grateful for the community support over the years. We hope that support continues for families and children who maybe do not have the same level of ability to meet their needs at this time and season. We’re happy to see it all come together to support those who are less fortunate.”
Dennis Bova is a freelance writer and editor. ✲
