Brownwood Middle School Athletes held their annual toy drive, gathering many toys and other gifts which they donated to Brown County Toys for Kids on Wednesday.

The toy drive is in its fifth year at BMS, starting with the girls’ athletics program under Coach Judy Kennedy, and has grown in the past couple of years to include boys’ athletics as well, according to Coach Kim Harvey.

“We do this as a group instead of a Christmas party,” explained Harvey.  “If we don’t help out, some of these kids won’t have Christmas.  These kids need Christmas and they need to feel loved.”

Volunteer Gloria Gandara has given her time for several years to Toys For Kids and now serves as a representative talking to groups such as BMS about the program.  She explained to the group just how much their donation means to the kids of Brown County.

“As of 4:00 p.m. yesterday, there were 613 families registered.  In these families, there are 1529 kids registered,” said Gandara.  “There are 400 kids that have asked for bicycles this year.”

Gandara explained that monetary donations are also received each year and that these funds are used to help fill in the gaps of toys such as bicycles or for gifts for teens registered in the program.  This year three special needs children will receive three-wheel bicycles because of funds from generous donors.

A few of the athletes have volunteered on distribution day in the past and stated that it was an eye opening experience and that they are anxious to volunteer again this year.

“Overall it was a good experience, very heartwarming,” said Madison Chesser.  “It makes you understand just how well you have it.”

Dalainy Garza has volunteered the past two years and plans to again this year.  She stated that it was fun to learn from the parents about the kids and stated that, “it makes you grateful.”

Kori Posey stated that she liked talking to the families and “learning about what stuff their kids liked to do.”

Kennedy Barron stated that she enjoyed watching the parents’ reaction to the program.

“It was cool seeing how excited they were to get gifts for their kids.”  She explained that she grew up getting Christmas gifts but that her family did not “get gifts from Santa,” but that it was fun seeing the families “do Santa for their kids.”

Coach Harvey asked BMS athletes to volunteer this Saturday during the distribution of the toys to families.  She encouraged them explaining that while volunteers often bless the program participants; the experience of giving back to others often blesses the volunteer.

Gandara explained that volunteers don’t have to sign up for a particular time slot or register in advance, and stated “just show up anytime, we’ll find a job for you.”

She explained that volunteers can help in many capacities, such as wrapping gifts, helping parents select that special gift or even carrying toys out to the families’ vehicles.

Anyone interested in volunteering can show up at the Grand Starz, 2323 Belle Plain on Saturday, December 21st during the hours of 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 or 5:30 p.m.  Any amount of time is appreciated from volunteers.

Donations of toys, monetary gifts and wrapping supplies such as gift wrap and tape are still needed.  Monetary donations as well as toys, gift wrap, gift tags, and tape are greatly needed and can be delivered to Grand Stars (2323 Belle Plain) or mailed to Toys for Kids, P.O. Box 912, Brownwood, Texas 76804.  Other drop-off locations include Brownwood Fire Stations 1 & 2.  All proceeds benefit Brown County residents and 100% of donations received go toward the purchase of toys.  The entire season is operated by volunteers and program directors of Toys for Kids who work diligently without receiving any income for their service.

For more information about the program or to volunteer, please call 325-646-6822.  Toys For Kids is a 501 (c) (3) organization, (# 47-0947449).

Pictured at top are BMS 7th grade athletes, below are 8th grade athletes who participated in the toy drive.

Pictured above are (left to right):  Madison Chesser, Dalainy Garza, Kori Posey and Kennedy Garza, past volunteers at the Toys For Kids distribution day.