SOMSD Parenting Center Extends Toy Drive

MAPLEWOOD, NJ - Due to an increase in need, South Orange Maplewood School District Parenting Center has extended their Holiday Toy Drive to Dec. 20.

For the last two decades, the SOMSD Parenting Center has held a Holiday Toy Drive for the children of families in need in the school district. Last year, the toy drive benefited over 150 families including nearly 500 children, organizers said.

Contributions will be used to purchase books and gifts for Maplewood South Orange children from infancy through age 17. Unwrapped gifts are provided to parents and the parents are then able to wrap and give the gifts to their children over the holidays.

The Parenting Center has set up an Amazon page where toys can be ordered directly as part of the fundraiser.

They also have a GoFundMe page where tax donations are tax deductible.

Andrew Wagshul said he was happy to help out.

"All kids should enjoy the Christmas spirit and be able to be a kid," he wrote on the GoFundMe page. "Happy holidays to all."

Melissa Litwin said it was a great way to give.

"Thank you for making it easy," she said, noting she also had a big bag of toys to bring by.

(Photo courtesy of Ashley Ludwig/Patch)

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