SOUTHWICK – Just a couple of days before Christmas, the Southwick Civic Fund’s Angry Elves Toy Drive delivered toys to 42 families in need of presents this holiday season.
Joe Deedy, President of the Southwick Civic Fund and owner of Moolicious, said the toy drive consisted of toys donated for children from the ages of one to 15-years-old. Donations were accepted until December 12 and volunteers of the Southwick Civic Fund then wrapped all of the toys and delivered them in a bag to each of the families that had signed up to have presents.
The Southwick Civic Fund is accepting unwrapped toys until December 12. (Photo from Moolicious)
Businesses, service organizations and churches annually participate as drop off locations and donors of unwrapped toys.
“The adults were very appreciative. It worked out very well,” said Deedy. “There were definitely some very happy folks.”
Each child received anywhere from three to five gifts, with Deedy mentioning that a variety of toys were handed out to specifically meet a child’s interest.
Although Deedy said they usually receive anywhere from 50 to 100 requests, he believes this year’s 42 families could be a good sign that not as many people were in need of toys this holiday season. As long as there is some child in need of toys on Christmas morning Deedy will keep the Angry Elves Toy Drive going.
“We’d love to continue until we’re not needed and that would be a wonderful thing,” said Deedy.
Prior to organizing the event in 2014, Deedy, his family, and volunteers had helped the West Springfield Park and Recreation Center with their “Operation Santa” for about 10 years.
