Gift baskets, toys destined for local recipients
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Members of the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club are busy with one of their favorite annual projects, preparing to put together food baskets and collecting toys and other items for distribution later this month to those in need.
“This is a project we look forward to each year. We’re in the process of gathering toys and other items for area children. We’ll be putting food baskets together at the Rec Center on Main Street, with toy distribution taking place from the recreation building on Riverside Drive,” said Penny McHatten, a Kiwanian who’s helping organize the effort.
Club President LaNiece Sirois said there’s still time to make donations, including non-perishable food items, toys or money to purchase items.
“We’ll be contacting recipients by phone on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 17-18. Toy setup at Riverside will be on Tuesday, Dec. 18, from 5-6:30 p.m. Toy giveaway at Riverside will begin Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 5:30-8 p.m. Toy giveaway will continue at Riverside on Thursday, Dec. 20, from 5:45-7 p.m. — for people who cannot show up on Wednesday,” said Sirois.
As in past years, Kiwanians and other volunteers will gather at the Haskell Building on Main Street later next week to process the food.
“We’ll be labeling bags at the Main Street Rec Center on Friday, Dec. 21, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Basket filling/delivery will be at the Rec Center on Saturday, Dec. 22, with an early startup of 6:45 a.m. — with coffee and instructions — and continuing through 8 a.m.,” said Sirois.
“Recipients will be able to start picking food up at 9 a.m. and continue through 11:30 a.m.,” she said.
Sirois said items for both boys and girls are still being collected.
“The list for boys includes: any infant toy 0-2 years of age; action figures; Nerf items; Legos; basketballs; baseballs and bats; soccer balls; professional sports memorabilia, like NFL, NBA, NHL or NASCAR items; clothing including T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats; video games or DVDs; PJ sets; backpacks or gym bags and blankets,” she said.
“For girls, we can use: any infant toy 0-2 years; doll sets, dolls or doll clothing; cooking sets and play food items; handbags or dress scarves; basketballs and soccer balls; perfume or Bath and Body Works items; Disney items; video games or DVDs; PJ sets; backpacks or gym bags; and blankets,” continued Sirois.
Miscellaneous items for both younger boys and girls include: coloring books, crayons and markers; games; and stuffed animals.
Sirois said though the need is there, teen items are often in short supply. She offers advice on gifts suitable for teenagers.
“For boys: Tag or Axe fragrances, socks, guy necklaces, iTunes cards, T-shirts and bed pants, wallets and caps. For teen girls, we could use: lip gloss, Bath and Body Works fragrances, fashion hats or anything from Claire’s, costume jewelry, little jewelry boxes, nail polish sets/accessories or pajamas,” said Sirois.
For more information or to arrange a donation, e-mail Sirois at hrtcservices@gmail.com.
