Brandon Twp.- Happy faces on Christmas morning is the hope of Brenda Todd, co-coordinator of the OCEF toy store.
Todd and Ortonville Community Emergency Fund volunteers Pat Bardel and Diane Knowles were hard at work on Dec. 12 at St. Anne Church in a toy-laden, festively decorated hall. Long tables filled with toys were arranged around the room by age and gender. More tables had stuffed animals, dolls, hats, mittens and scarves, books, and board games.
Shopping carts nearby awaited OCEF clients, people living within the Brandon School District boundaries who applied for assistance in providing their children age 12 and under with gifts.
‘We have approximately 220 kids this year that will benefit from the community’s generosity,? said Todd. ‘About 1,800 items were donated, not including stocking stuffers. I know the families appreciate it.?
The number and type of items donated dictate what a child will receive from OCEF. This year, for example, the parent of a 5-year-old girl will be able to choose one large toy, a small toy, one or two stuffed animals, a book, possibly a game, a hat and gloves and miscellaneous stocking stuffers.
Also this year, parents could select one of 80 full-size pillows donated by Mabelena’s Quilt Shop covered with colorful, whimsical pillowcases made by crafters.
Todd noted that overall donations from the community are about the same as last year, which she called amazing, considering the economy.
‘We live in a wonderful, generous community,? she said. ‘We couldn’t do it without them and can’t say thank you enough. We hope there are lots of smiles Christmas morning.?
The OCEF food and gift distribution, separate from the toy store, was planned for Dec. 15. Food Pantry Coordinator Judy Henley said close to 200 families would be assisted this year, as well as residents of 10 adult foster care homes in the community.