A toy drive in Nelsonville gives gifts to the kids who need it most
By: Arielle Teppert
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NELSONVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) — Sometimes, it is about the gifts. Nelsonville’s annual Jim Conrad Memorial Christmas Toy Drive gives toys to the kids who need it most. However, the drive has a deeper meaning not only for the kids but also for those who do the giving.
“Over the years we have interacted with children that made it very apparent that these were the only presents their family was going to have,” said Barber. “It’s very impactful when you talk to the children, they tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas and you’d be very surprised, a lot of the time it’s not toys.”
Jim Conrad was a Nelsonville local who enjoyed collecting toys and helping people around him. After his death, his family wanted to find a way to help the community. So, the Nelsonville Fire Department started an annual free toy giveaway in his honor.
Since the first year of the drive, donations and participant numbers have continued to increase. The first year hosted 500 children and the department is hoping for even more this year.
“The event is chaos, but good chaos,” said Fire Department Chief Harry Barber. “Seeing the children excited makes it all worth it.”
Toys can be donated at various locations across Nelsonville including Dollar General and the firehouse. Barber will even visit people’s houses to collect toys if they cannot reach a drop box.
All children in the Nelsonville-York School District are welcome to attend the giveaway and take home a toy of their choosing. Barber said he hopes families receive a sense of giving and community.
Barber emphasized that without community members the toy drive would not take place. “Without the support of our community our fire department wouldn’t be the department we are today,” said Barber. “The department is 100% about community.”
The giveaway will take place next Wednesday and Thursday at the Nelsonville Fire Department from 5-7 p.m. Toys, cookies, hot chocolate and Santa Claus will be on-site for kids to enjoy.
All children must be accompanied by an adult and parents must bring a valid photo ID to verify their address.