Twice as many Evansville children get Christmas toys from Salvation Army this year

Originally published December 2019

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Carolyne Burton was one of many parents able to provide Christmas for their children with support from The Salvation Army. 

The community-based organization distributed toys to nearly 2,200 children Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the ToyTown Christmas drive, which was a 212 percent increase from last year.

In 2018, The Salvation Army assisted 1,033 children. This year, the organization helped more than twice as many children and distributed food boxes to more than 800 Evansville families.

"It's a much bigger undertaking," Event Coordinator Mark Turner said during the event. "We've been working with companies and churches to make sure we have enough toys for everybody, and I'm thankful we're making it happen."

Turner said seeing the emotion from community members and hearing their appreciation is what drives him and others to continue making the program more accessible for Tri-State families.

"It’s a lot of people we see year end and year out — same type of circumstances I think," Turner said. "It really comes down to people that are struggling. We’ve got grandmothers that are raising their kids; parents that are working minimum wage jobs that are just getting their bills paid and there’s very little for Christmas.”

The increase in families receiving assistance, he said, is reflective of the growth of the Christmas event, rather than the state of the local economy. 

Turner attributes the program's growth to the efforts of volunteers and the involvement of local organizations and churches. Several residents and companies worked hundreds of volunteer hours, and thousands of people gave their resources to ensure the two-day program was successful.

"They've always been nice, friendly and helpful," Burton said. "Definitely makes it a lot easier asking for help, as you feel you did some part in getting the gifts."

In preparation for the toy drive, Salvation Army volunteers accepted applications from Oct. 30 - Nov. 16 at its 1040 N. Fulton location, where the 800-plus families applied and awaited approval for the program. 

Once they were cleared to participate in the Christmas event, locals were scheduled to pick gifts and be provided with holiday food items. Volunteers were paired with participants to help them select gifts and navigate through the event's toy wrapping tables and food areas.

Volunteer Debra Wyza said, with her seven years of involvement in the program, this year was one of the more chaotic. But with the positive affect its had on residents, she said, it was an enormously rewarding experience.

— Courier & Press