Toys from the heart

Last year, Toys from the Heart provided over 700 children in the South County area with a Christmas gift. Returning for more goodwill this year, the group seeks toy donations as well as volunteers to help wrap gifts destined to brighten Christmas morning for children in Anderson, Cottonwood, Happy Valley, Shingletown and northern Tehama County. As of Friday, the group already gathered the names of 300 children.

When asked how many toys the organization has, group co-chair Lynn Gillis, said "not enough."

When most people provide toys, they think of young children first. Toys from the Heart, however, provides for children up to the age of 17 years. For teenagers, the group requests donations of gift cards, movie passes, and the like.

The list of children and youths to receive gifts is compiled by Anderson Cottonwood Christian Assistance. To donate a gift, bring it to the Anderson Chamber of Commerce, 2375 North St., or call 365-8095. On Nov. 23, Prime 11 Cinemas will donate a portion of proceeds from concession sales to Toys from the Heart.

The organization will wrap toys at Church of Christ on the corner of North St. and Riverside Ave. in Anderson. Volunteers are wanted to help wrap gifts on the following days and times: Nov. 17, Nov. 19, Dec. 1, Dec. 3 from 3-7 p.m.; Dec. 8, 12-4 p.m.; Dec. 11, 3-7 p.m.

Organizers recommend calling first to ensure that the wrapping party is still scheduled. For information, 949-9179 and 591-0667.