Toy distribution wraps up

Published 10:06 pm Thursday, December 22, 2016

The Suffolk Salvation Army Corps wrapped up another successful year of toy distribution this week.

Thousands of children were helped through the program, which is a community effort involving a number of different organizations, including the Suffolk News-Herald Cheer Fund and Toys for Tots donations.

“The community was very generous,” said the Salvation Army’s Capt. Shauntrice Anthony.

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Marvina Brown was one of those who benefited from the toy distribution. She visited the Salvation Army’s Bank Street building on Wednesday to pick up toys for two of her children.

“If I can make them happy, that’s all that matters,” she said. “I am very grateful for anything that is given to us. Any little bit counts.”

Anthony said more than 10,000 toys were distributed throughout the week. Many toys were purchased in bulk with money raised by the Suffolk News-Herald Cheer Fund. Parents were able to choose three of those toys per child, as well as toys collected at Toys for Tots boxes at more than 30 locations throughout the city.

Dolls and stockings filled with toys and treats were also available to choose from toward the beginning of the week.

Anthony said the Salvation Army is grateful for the support of the community.

“We had a lot of volunteers this year,” she said.

About 74 volunteers helped at the toy store. The majority of them came from the city of Suffolk, the Social Services department and the U.S. Navy.

“Thank you to the community for their support of the Toys for Tots program, the Cheer Fund and the Salvation Army,” Anthony said.

The Cheer Fund accepts donations all year long. To give, write a check payable to the Cheer Fund and mail it to P.O. Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439, or stop by our office at 130 S. Saratoga St. Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Online giving is also available. To give using a credit or debit card or your PayPal account, click “Donate Here” at the top of our home page, www.suffolknewsherald.com.