Ruthann Tryka (l) and Teri Abrams (c), co-chairs of the Brockport Toy Shelf program, receive a $250 donation from Brockport Rotary President Andy Pacitto. Without the Toy Shelf, there would be many local children with few or no presents under the tree this Christmas. Shopping will take place at the Brockport HS cafeteria on December 22 and 23.

The Brockport-Sweden Toy Shelf is in full swing for 2001. The purpose of the Toy Shelf is to ensure that all children be remembered with gifts for Christmas when parents are, for any reason, unable to provide for them. Every year, children newborn through 17 years old are able to wake up on Christmas morning to gifts, books and stocking stuffers; gifts from their parents … provided by our loving community.

Last year, the Toy Shelf provided gifts to over 500 children. The need this year is expected to be equally as great. All gifts are donated. Generous organizations such as the Kiwanis, Rotary, BISCO, the Sweden Senior Center, and Inga Songbird's Candle Light Walk provide great support. Personal donations are the other huge link in making this program work. The drop boxes for donations are now in place at First Niagara Bank, Rich's Auto Sales, Ryan's Big M, Tri-County Advertiser, Wegmans, and the Sweden Senior Center. For those who may not know what is popular this year, here are some ideas from children: personal CD players, CD's, hand held electronic games, sports equipment, hair dryers, curling irons, clock radios, fleece outerwear, gift certificates, Lego kits, Barbie's, Tonka toys, arts and craft kits. Toy distribution will take place on December 22 and 23 at the Brockport High School. Anyone who has children in need can call 395-9122 or 637-5567 to set up an appointment to select gifts.