In the MOMS Club® of Brockport’s Sixth Annual Holiday Giftaway, over 1,049 children received toys – a number which astounded everyone involved and demonstrated that there is a need for this type of toy giveaway in the community. Through the Giftaway program, toys were also donated to Oak Orchard Community Health Center, Family Support Services of the Mental Health Association, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee (Emergency Services), and The Brockport Presbyterian Church.
Organizer Carol Ann Pittman began the Giftaway in 2007 when she read a letter sent to “The Flylady” (aka Marla Cilley) who runs the home organizing website www.flylady.net. She is a proponent of decluttering, and “blessing others” with unused items in the home. A fan of her website wrote a testimonial letter about an event she was a part of in her hometown of Austin, TX. “Lisa from Austin” created an event that allowed family members to give away their gently used toys for free.
Pittman was inspired by Lisa and began the Giftaway as a way to teach her children about recycling and community service. She asked MOMS Club® members and their children to look through their toys and select any they were no longer using and donate them to the Giftaway. Any family in the area could then choose from the large selection of gently used, good condition gifts. No income or personal information was asked, insuring complete privacy for all participants. No appointments were necessary. The MOMS Club® of Brockport gave toys to children from 22 families that year. This year toys went to over 296 families.
The event has taught the chapter’s children the spirit of giving and recycling. Many MOMS Club® children help set up, run, and clean up before, during and after the Giftaway every year.
The MOMS Club® of Brockport thanks everyone who helped the 2013 Giftaway particularly Dottie Reed, Karen Leidig, Anne Jamsin, Unique Gift Boutique, Janet Johnson and the Renshinkan Judo Dojo, Java Junction, Pro-Brockport, the Sweden/Clarkson Community Center, the Seymour Library, the Brockport Elk’s Lodge, and the members and children of the MOMS Club® of Brockport.
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