DARKE COUNTY — While many household budgets are tighter than ever this year due to the hardships imposed by COVID-19, Santa’s elves at the North Pole are definitely working overtime these days, packing Santa’s magical sleigh with toys and good wishes, while getting ready for the big Christmas Eve journey.
This year, however, they are getting a much-needed “helping hand” from some great Darke County organizations.
Miami Valley Community Action Partnership (CAP), the Road Hogs, and the Radiant Lighthouse have teamed up to bring many families in need a brighter holiday by collecting and distributing thousands of toys at this year. Here, in Darke County, through the “Toys for Tikes” distribution, Darke County children in need, along with their parents, will have the opportunity to come and pick toys and other items, which will then be wrapped and ready in time for placement under the tree.
Families who wish to participate in the toy distribution this Sunday, Dec. 20, must fill out a registration form through the Miami Valley Community Action Partnership’s Darke County office (CAP). Registration forms are located in a file container on the wall in the foyer at the CAP office, located at 1469 Sweitzer Avenue, in Greenville. These forms should be placed in the drop-box. The CAP office is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Completed registration forms are due in the drop box no later than Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. Because the toy distribution Sunday, Dec. 20, is through the Community Action Partnership registration, be sure to fill out the form soon.
John Vanata, Bike President of the Road Hogs, highlighted the motorcycle club’s participation in collecting and distributing toys for the annual “Toys for Tikes” event, which is in its 38th year. “We love Darke County, and everything we do stays in our community, “ he said.
Pastors Wes Lynch and Hershel Fee of the Radiant Lighthouse will welcome children and families for the toy distribution at the Greenville campus this Sunday, Dec. 20; in addition, the Radiant Lighthouse is offering its own special holiday celebration on Christmas Day.
“It is a great event,” said Pastor Wes, adding, “If families are unable to submit the CAP registration form in time, we are encouraging all families to come to the campus Dec. 25 (Christmas day), between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., for our Drive-Through Christmas Dinner, where they will receive a full hot meal, and toys for their children.”
For more information about the Miami Valley Community Action Partnership (Darke County office), please call 937-548-8143, or stop by to fill out and drop off the registration form. For more information about the Radiant Lighthouse’s Community Christmas Dinner, call 937-504-6721, email Pastor Wes at [email protected], or visit on the web or Facebook at www.radiantchurchgreenville.com
