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Pocono News Section
Toys for Tots Volunteers Tackle Big Sorting Task
Toys for Tots Volunteers Tackle Big Sorting Task - Monday, December 14, 2009 at 5:50PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Dec 14, 2009 @ 05:50pm EST
EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY -- It was a big day for the Salvation Army in Monroe County. After months of collecting toys, everything that was donated this year was sorted this morning.
The Salvation Army gym in East Stroudsburg was transformed into the North Pole Monday morning. Bags of gifts which were collected and sorted by volunteers as part of this year's Toys for Tots campaign.
Stroudsburg High School Freshman Sidney Warick said, ̉It makes me feel really good because I know that for Christmas -- I would want to be with my family and have like a lot of food and toys to play with."
Student volunteers sorted all of the donated toys into different age groups. The distribution process will take place next week.
Stroudsburg High School Freshman Shelby Bentzoni said, ̉I was never expecting this many toys and we were doing the bags and it seemed like it would never end. I really appreciate what I have now even more."
Salvation Army officials say they still need help meeting this year's goal. This year the number of toy donations are down. Major James Gingrich of the Monroe County Salvation Army said, ̉At the same time the toy donations are down, the number of requests are up by about 32%. A lot more kids need help this year."
Just a few feet away from the toy sorting other volunteers were packing up food boxes which will be given out to families this Thursday. Roughly 500 families will be served.
̉Last year we gave out hams and turkeys in our food boxes. This year, we're just doing the hams to try and save a little money there and make the resources stretch further," added Gingrich.
Christine Wolff of Notre Dame High School said, ̉It takes a lot of work but its helpful knowing that theres a lot of people that are going to have food." | | |
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