Area Organizations Hold Toy, Clothing Drives

The holiday season is a joyous time of the year for most people. For financially distressed families, however, the approaching cold weather coupled with the difficulty in purchasing gifts can make it particularly difficult period.

The town of East Granby, the Granby Chamber of Commerce and the Granby Police Officers Association are in the midst of clothing or toy drives to help those in need and take the edge of a tough stretch of time.

Town of East Granby Mitten Tree

For the third year, East Granby town employees are collecting winter weight scarves, mitten, gloves, and hats that are being hung on a holiday tree at Town Hall.

People with donations, which will be distributed to the less fortunate in the community, may drop them off at the First Selectman’s office at Town Hall.

The drive was originally scheduled to end Dec. 13, but was extended to Dec. 16, according to First Selectman Jim Hayden, who said that donations this year had equalled or surpassed last year.

The Town Hall is located at 9 Center St.

Granby Chamber of Commerce Toy Truck

Also in its third year, the Granby Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its Toy Truck toy drive.

People can donate toys for children of all ages at select drop off locations in the area (click on the links or see the map for locations): Geissler’s Supermarket, , , , , State Line Propane, and .

The toys, according to Chamber of Commerce Chairman of Special Events Marianne Guarco, will be distributed to families in Granby and East Hartland, as well as Gifts of Love.

“It all goes to local families,” Guarco said.

Still, it appears that the donations are off from last year’s collection, according to Guarco.

“It doesn’t feel like Christmas, yet,” Guarco said. “I hope this weekend is going to make a big difference.”

The toy drive will continue until the middle of next week, Guarco said.

Granby Police Officers Association

The Granby Police Officers Association is also sponsoring its own small toy drive. Through Dec. 20, Residents can drop off their donations - all toys except stuffed animals - at the , according to officer Jerry Dowd.

The toys will be donate to families in need, Dowd said.

Help us decorate our Holiday Tree! East Granby Town Employees are collecting winter weight scarves, mitten, gloves, and hats. All donations will be distributed to the less fortunate in our community. Please join us by supporting this worthwhile project. Items may be dropped off at the Town Hall First Selectman’s Office from Monday, November 28th through December 13, 2011. Thanks for your generosity to those in need.

Anyone who knows of a family in need should contact Dowd or a police officer at the Department, Dowd said.

The Granby Police Department is located at 15 North Granby Road.