The La Plata Family Centers Coalition gifted toys to 536 children at the La Plata County Fairgrounds earlier this month during its third annual Holly Jolly Toy Distribution.
Two hundred forty-six families made their way to the fairgrounds on Dec. 16 to peruse toys, enjoy hot chocolate and let children marvel at a Durango Fire Protection District fire engine parked on scene for the event.
“Gifts and donations are still arriving on a daily basis, which has allowed us to serve children that were not registered prior to the event,” La Plata Family Centers Coalition Deputy Director Amber Turley said. “This annual toy drive has become a community effort, and we have received so much support from local businesses, organizations and community members.”
The nonprofit packed gift bags and distributed them to families. The restaurant Bread and Durango Coffee Co. provided cookies and hot cocoa for the event, and members of Christ the King Church gave away handmade stockings for children and adults, Turley said.
She added, “This year, the Durango Fire Department joined us and brought a fire engine for the children to enjoy.”
La Plata Family Centers Coalition will be open through the holiday season to ensure families in need have access to the centers’ food pantry, children’s closet and child care necessities such as diapers and baby formula, in addition to blankets, coats and personal hygiene items.
Turley said in November the centers always accepts donations like adult and children’s clothing, as well as bathroom and personal hygiene products.
Winter gear such as hats, gloves and boots for adults and kids are especially needed.
The group had toy drop-offs at a number of participating businesses around Durango, including Alpine Bank, The Wells Group, Kroegers Ace Hardware, Skin Incorporated Tattoo and Body Piercing, Durango Organics, 4Corners Riversports and Guild House Games.
Turley previously told The Durango Herald “being able to see the community and all these organizations come together to really take care of the people that need it, that’s what that's what I live for. I love seeing that.”
La Plata Family Centers Coalition is located at 495 Florida Road and accepts walk-in donations.
cburney@durangoherald.com
