Teen Toys Needed For Salvation Army Families
DULUTH, Minn. – It is the time of the year when people and groups gather toys to provide some joy to those who may not have a lot of happiness in their lives.
At the Salvation Army, an entire truckload of toys was brought in and the donation was much appreciated. However, there’s one group of kids that seems to be overlooked each year.
Cyndy Lewis, Director of Development for the Salvation Army said, “Every year we struggle to get donations of teen toys. It’s not the fun thing. You go out to shop in the little kid area and you envision some little kid’s face letting you know, most people don’t go and oh and oh well I’m gonna see if I can please a teenager.”
For 11 straight years, the 148th Fighter Wing has been a big part of the Salvation Army’s toy drive.
Senior Master Sergeant John McEwen of the 148th Fighter Wing said, “Well, we’ve gone around and we seek donations and people voluntarily help out, buying presents, donating money and presents and I think we’ve raised $10,000 his year in gifts and toys and stuff.”
Even before the 148th began collecting toys this year, it had coordinated with the Salvation Army to find out what toys were most needed. Many of the toys brought in from the 148th are items for teens.
“Last year, when I was in distribution, I took a family through and they were shopping in the teen bin and it was mostly empty,” said Lewis. “I think there were like sweatshirts in there. And they felt so bad. But it’s something we beg for every single year.”
The annual donation from the 148th is done in honor of a coworker, Ryan Ewald, who passed away a few years ago and had been very active in giving back to the community.
There is still time for you to help the Salvation Army help families. On our website, FOX21online.com we’ve posted a list of teen gift ideas. If you can purchase one or more of those items and bring the gifts to the Salvation Army’s office on 27th Avenue you would be making someone’s holiday a lot brighter.
