Blick Law Firm Hosting Toy Drive for Hope Children's Home

If you have toys you want to donate to children in need, Blick Law Firm is hosting an event next week that will allow you to do just that.

From 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, the firm at 4351 Gunn Highway will accept toy donations on behalf of Hope Children's Home in Carrollwood, which houses abused or neglected children.

Kids who attend can take a photo with Santa Claus, and adults can have a consultation with attorney Michael C. Blickensderfer. Food will also be provided, and pets are welcomed.

Dana Blickensderfer, a spokeswoman for the firm, said they'd done a canned food drive in previous years for The Salvation Army, but decided to do a toy drive this year.

"Our marketing team decided to do a toy drive because we knew about the children's home, and there was a need there," she said.

Dave Riffe, school administrator at Hope Children's Home at 11415 International Drive, said the home currently houses 63 children.

"At Christmas, we don't budget for Christmas presents, so we rely on the community to do things for them," he said.

Riffe said officials at Hope Children's Home encourage people who want to donate to buy gift cards for the children, or donate online at hopechildrenshome.org.

Meanwhile, Blickensderfer said the purpose of the toy drive is simple.

"It's what the season is about: giving back," she said. "It's about making the holidays brighter for somebody else."

For more information, call Blick Law Firm at 813-931-0840. To read a list of specific needs at the Home, click here.