No one likes to think of a child not having toys on Christmas.  At Area Relief Ministries we do our part every year to make sure hundreds of area children experience the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning.  ARM’s Annual Christmas Toy Store is hosted every December at the Warehouse of Englewood Baptist Church.

How can you help? 
1. We need sponsors. Can you, your business, church, or group be a sponsor for a specific area of the toy store?
2. We need toys. Can your business, church, or group do a toy drive to help us stock our store? Or would you like to make a financial contribution to help with the purchase of toys?
3. We need volunteers. Can you help out in the toy store as a shopping assistant, gift wrapper, toy stocker/sorter, car loader, or a greeter/mingler?
4. We need wrapping supplies? Last year over 1200 toys left the toy store wrapped and ready to be opened on Christmas day. That requires LOTS of wrapping paper, tape, boxes, and gift bags.

For more information you can contact Nicole Schmidt, or call the ARM offices at 731.423.9257.

“This is the most amazing event we do all year,” exclaims Lisa Peoples, ARM Executive Director.  “Low-income children and families are chosen through United Way’s Christmas Partners, and parents are notified to come and select free name-brand toys for their children.  Each child will receive five toys that include things such as bikes, games, balls, movies, dolls, MP3 players and other popular toys of the season.  The toys are gift-wrapped on the spot, and happy parents are sent out the door to put presents under the tree for their soon-to-be-delighted children.  Englewood does an amazing job of turning the Warehouse into a winter wonderland, and it’s all great fun.”

For Christmas 2011, over 1200 wrapped gifts and over 100 families served! Help us make 2012 a generous year as well!