Holiday Gift Donations Needed For Avon, Avon Lake Kids

AVON LAKE, OH — Each year, the Community Resource Services group puts together a toys and clothes drive for children in-need in Avon and Avon Lake. All of the donated goods go directly to families in both communities.

This year, between 280 and 300 children will open gifts that were donated to the Community Resource Services program. All of the gifts will come from local civic groups and individuals, Susan Poole, the CRS's executive director, told Patch.

"We’re still in need of those hard to buy things — teenage things, family baskets. We’re always looking for coats," she said.

For the first time, the Avon Lake Police will take part in the program. Les Carrender, administrative sergeant with the department, said officers were inspired to give back to the residents they protect.

"We're blessed," Carrender told Patch, before emphasizing his department's desire to give back. "We want to make sure every kid is able to open a gift during the holidays and CRS helps make that happen."

The police department said it would be collecting winter coats, warm pajamas, and toys for the holidays with a drop-off bin at the police department. Collection will run through Sunday, Dec. 9. All donations must be newly purchased and unwrapped. As Poole pointed out, few people want to get a used winter coat on Christmas morning; and parents like to see what is being given to their kids before that Dec. 25.

Toys and clothes need to be age and size appropriate for children between the ages of 2-16. Donations do not need to be wrapped. Each item will be given to families throughout Avon and Avon Lake, the police department said. Gifts for teenagers are always in high demand, the Community Resource Services organization added.

Parents will be able to make an appointment with CRS and then tour their "Santa's Workshop" space, where toys, coats, pajamas, and other goods will be arrayed for them to select from. The CRS also offers a wrapping station so parents can sip hot cocoa and wrap presents before going home.

Last year, nearly 275 kids in Avon and Avon Lake received holiday gifts through the CRS's Santa's Workshop program. Demand for donated gifts may be even higher this year.

Besides the Avon Lake Police drop-point, donations can also be made at CRS's offices at 33493 Lake Road. Donations are accepted Thursday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The CRS will cease its holiday collection on Monday, Dec. 10.

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