sponsors toy shelf The Board of Directors of the Brockport Integrated Service & Community Organizations (BISCO) has become the new sponsor of the Brockport Toy Shelf. It will be the not-for-profit organization that receives and disburses funds for this volunteer project. At the November board meeting, a grant of $1,000 was also awarded in support of this effort. For many years, Teri Abrams and other community volunteers have come together around a common goal of making the holidays a special time for area children whose families have limited resources. They solicit toys and donations from the community and various organizations and businesses in the area. These items are kept in a donated storage unit until it is time to distribute them. One week before Christmas, these Santa's helpers transport the toys to the Brockport High School Snack Bar and a giant "Toy Store" is set up. Parents pre-register by phone and are assigned shopping times over the weekend. They then come and "shop" for their children. This gives parents the opportunity to decide the toy they know their child will enjoy. The goal of the Toy Shelf is to provide each child with a stuffed animal, one or two stocking stuffer items, a hat and mittens set, a gift in the $10 or less category and a gift in the $10-20 category. Each child also receives a book to read and a new box of crayons and coloring book. If available, wrapping paper is also supplied. Mike Murphy, president of BISCO, said, "The Toy Shelf that benefits area children is a perfect fit for BISCO because of their good work on behalf of area children. It is our pleasure to support such a worthwhile volunteer organization." To contribute to the Toy Shelf project contact Ruthann Tryka at 637-7733 or send your contribution to her at 16 Glendale Road, Brockport, NY 14420. |
