Our 2011 toy drive was a huge success, thanks to all of our generous clients! We didn't get photos of the entire collection; the pix above are just a sampling. This year's donations included seven bicycles; in all the previous years we've collected toys we've had a grand total of one bicycle donated.
The first time we gave toys to the Culpeper Community Development Corporation (check them out at culpepershelter.com), we brought tears of joy to the staff, who had many more needy kids than they had presents for. We managed to make more people cry this year.
Cheryl Carter, who runs the Culpeper Community Development Corporation (the organization that distributes the toys) called to share just one story, involving a single mother of three teenage daughters and an eight year old son. A few weeks before Christmas, the boy approached his mother and said "Mommy, do you think I could have a bike for Christmas?" Of course, Mom had to let the little feller know that a bike would not be possible. Well guess what - this child ended up with one of the donated bicycles. The mom was in tears when they came to pick up the bike - and for this particular young 'un, Santa's the real deal.
Every one of the toys has a similar story. This was the first time I've had to make two trips to drop toys off - thanks again to all of our amazing clients for making it possible.
Hope all of you had a Merry Christmas, and here's to a great 2012.
