As La Plata County and Durango families are battered with holiday commercialism while struggling to keep up with high costs of living, the La Plata Family Centers Coalition gears up for its third annual Holly Jolly Toy Distribution.
The nonprofit is collecting food, clothing, monetary and toy donations ahead of the Christmas holiday. The organization anticipates distributing toys to over 500 children and families on Dec. 16 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. The toy distribution will go from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
La Plata Family Centers Coalition Deputy Director Amber Turley said the coalition is happily accepting children’s toys, shelf-stable foods and feminine hygiene products, along with blankets, coats, gloves, hats and other winter gear, to give to La Plata County residents who need them most.
“We see a lot of people struggle during this time,” Turley said. “Utility bills go really high. Food costs are really high. Living costs in general are really high right now. And for people to have to make the decision to be able to provide a toy or a gift to their child during the season or pay their utility bill, it's a hard decision. And so being able to provide the toys for the kids relieves the parents of that worry.”
Adult and children’s clothing are being accepted in addition to shampoos, conditioners, soap and laundry detergent, and other bathroom and laundry essentials.
Winter gear such as hats, gloves and boots for adults and kids are especially needed, she said.
The coalition has several toy drop-off sites at businesses around town.
People can donate new and unwrapped toys at the center itself at 495 Florida Road in Durango. They can also drop off donations at Alpine Bank, The Wells Group, Kroegers Ace Hardware, Skin Incorporated Tattoo and Body Piercing, Durango Organics, 4Corners Riversports and Guild House Games.
As rents and mortgages increased in recent years, so too has the number of families seeking relief from the La Plata Family Centers Coalition.
“We've definitely seen the need go up each year,” Turley said. “ … Last year, we served 561 (children) and now we have, gosh, close to 550 kids already on the list now. And we're just continuing to see these registrations come in.”
Regular donations range from food and car seats to clothing, diapers and toys, Turley said. The coalition has already raised $7,000 or more for this year’s toy drive.
Durango Fire Protection District will be present to help coordinate traffic and will host a fire engine for children’s amusement. Durango Coffee Company will supply hot cocoa at the fairgrounds.
Families can register to receive donations on the family centers coalition’s website at lpfcc.org.
The La Plata Family Centers Coalition serves La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan counties. It helps people access health insurance, as well as financial, housing and legal assistance. It also hosts a food pantry on site, which has grown operationally over the years. The coalition also offers a number of parental education programs.
Turley said the La Plata Family Centers Coalition’s work strengthens the greater community in the three-county area it serves.
“Just 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,” she said.
cburney@durangoherald.com
