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With Christmas a little less than two months away, the Ministerial Alliance Toy Store in Smithville is gearing up for another season this weekend.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, the toy store’s collection barrels will be placed in 14 to 15 different locations across the city, seeking donations of toys for needy families in Smithville for this Christmas. The collection barrels will be in place until Sunday, Dec. 6.

The toy store is being hosted by Smithville United Methodist Church again this year and will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 10 and 11, at the church, 505 N. U.S. Highway 169.

The purpose of the toy store, said Kerry Winans, co-chair of the Ministerial Alliance Toy Store, is to give donated Christmas gifts to Smithville families that otherwise couldn’t afford to buy them.

Last year, Winans said, the toy store gave Christmas gifts to 55 families, almost double what it usually provides. But because of the continuing economic recession, Winans said she expects that number to double again this year to close to 100 families.

Because of the increased need, Winans said the toy store is seeking additional donations this year. The store welcomes any new, unwrapped and unused items people can donate — especially items for teens, Winans said.

“The hardest toys to collect are for teenagers, 12 and older,” she said. “We really struggle to get toys for that age range.”

The best items for teens, Winans said, are clothing items, which can be expensive and don’t often get donated.

“After last year, we figured out the kids really like name-brand sweatshirts and T-shirts,” she said. “It’s not a toy, but that’s what they want. Things from Abercrombie and Fitch and the Gap. It’s expensive stuff, and that’s what makes it so much harder for teens.”

If you want to get involved in the toy store beyond donating, you can contact Roxie Curtis at 532-2084 or Winans at 665-8261 to inquire about volunteering. According to the church’s newsletter, the toy store needs volunteers Monday to Saturday, Dec. 7 to 12.

As for the families that can participate in the event, Winans said participation is by invite only and they can be recognized by their pastors, the school district, the Smithville Housing Authority or anyone in their church.

Families must also be Smithville residents or have children enrolled in the Smithville School District.

To find out more about the program, visit Smithville United Methodist Church’s Web site at www.smithvilleumc.com or call the church at 532-3200.

GET INVOLVED

To donate an item, heads to any Smithville area church and look for the marked collection bin. For additional collection locations, call the Smithville United Methodist Church at 532-3200. If you want to volunteer with the toy store, contact Roxie Curtis at 532-2084 or Kerry Winans at 665-8261.

Staff writer Michael Westblade can be reached at 389-6636 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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