Program offers toys for kids
Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
Thanks to the hard work of a group of locals, currently headed by Michael Browning, and several local sponsors including Wyoming Refining Company, Pinnacle Bank, First State Bank, Hurricane Services, Outlaw Motors, Flowers and Things, Ultimate Precision Oil Productions, A&J Auto, Ahead of Our Time and the Fountain Inn, for the seventh year in a row children will have the opportunity to pick out a gift from the community through the Toys for Toddlers program.
“We had a record year this year and raised over $4,000 thanks to the community,” Browning said. “We just kind of coordinate community events and pull money together, and at Christmas time we go shopping for the kids in this community who are less fortunate.”
Browning said that when he and a group of his friends started the pool tournament and poker run to raise funds for this project they picked families and would purchase gifts specifically for them.
“Recently we switched over and allow the kids to come in and pick their gifts. This gives us the potential to reach more families,” Browning said. “We set up a spot with all the gifts and let the kids come pick their own present.”
This year, kids of all ages can show up to the Cambria Room at the Newcastle Lodge and Convention Center on Dec. 18 and 19 to shop through the Toys for Toddlers program. Browning noted that there is no required paperwork or proof of anything.
“We just use the good ol’ boy method. Just come on over and we will let the kids pick out a toy,” Browning said. “This is our way of giving back to the community, and really it is all put together by the community for the community.”