By SALINA POST
The Abilene Area Toys 4 Tots is set to bring holiday cheer to children in need, with registration taking place at St. Andrew’s Church Parish Hall, located at 311 S. Buckeye in Abilene.
To sign up, applicants must be the legal guardian of the children being registered, and sign-ups are required in person. Parents or guardians of children aged 12 years and younger can register on Thursday, December 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., or on Friday, December 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. These dates and times are the only available opportunities for registration.
For families who have registered, the distribution of Toys 4 Tots packages will take place on Saturday, December 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the National Guard Armory in Abilene.
Community members interested in supporting Abilene Area Toys 4 Tots have several options to contribute. Monetary donations are accepted at Pinnacle Bank, located at 401 North Spruce in Abilene, or can be mailed to Toys 4 Tots, addressed to Jessie Pickerign, c/o Pinnacle Bank, P.O. Box 669, Abilene, KS 67410. Additionally, new toys can be donated at marked drop-off boxes throughout Abilene, including at Bombshell Salon + Beauty, Dollar General, Family Dollar/Dollar Tree, Abilene Elks Lodge, Hair Emporium, Holm Automotive Center, Lumber House – True Value, Memorial Hospital, and Pinnacle Bank. In Solomon, donations can also be dropped off at Dollar General.
In addition to toy donations, cash donation jars can be found at various Abilene businesses, including Corner Stop, Abilene Elks Lodge, The Flower Box, Hair Emporium, Joe Snuffy’s Restaurant, Liberty Convenience Store, Walt’s Four Seasons Campground & Country Store, and West Stop West. This annual Toys 4 Tots drive offers a chance for the Abilene community to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that children across the area receive gifts this holiday season and spreading joy to families in need.