LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — With Christmas quickly approaching, the Lima Salvation Army is working to sort and prepare thousands of donated toys for families in need ahead of its annual holiday distribution.
The gymnasium at the Salvation Army is filled wall to wall with toys as volunteers take on the detailed sorting process. Donations are grouped into boxes of 25, counted, and then organized by age group and toy type to ensure families receive appropriate items.
Salvation Army officials say they have been overwhelmed by the community’s response to this year’s Toys for Tots and Angel Tree donation drives, which have helped stock shelves for the holiday season.
While registration for Christmas assistance is now closed, officials say a contingency plan is in place for emergency situations.
“Now we do have a waiting list. Now the waiting list will be done on Friday, because Monday is our distribution. The waiting list does not guarantee them anything, but we're trying to help as many as we can. So even if it's one or two toys at least it's something,” said Capt. Charity Bender of the Lima Salvation Army.
Bender added that the organization could still use additional donations of teen items and wrapping paper to help families during distribution.
Christmas toy distribution is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 22.
