Brockport Toy Shelf readies for the holiday

Brockport Toy Shelf readies for the holiday

'Tis the season and the Brockport Toy Shelf has been stocking up on gifts for area children. Last year, the Toy Shelf supplied gifts for 608 children, from babies up to teenagers, from 204 Brockport Central School district families.

"The donations are coming in a little slow this year but we're hoping they will pick up and we can serve as many families as we did last year," coordinator Charlene Veltz said.

Veltz and co-coordinator, Ruthann Tryka, have been in charge of the Toy Shelf for several years. They took over the charitable organization when former coordinators Carol Ozminkowski and Fred Maisel stepped down. Since assuming the roles of co-coordinators of the Toy Shelf in 2000, the two women have increased the amount of toy donations by 200 toys and cash donations by about $4,000 annually.

Children who reside in the BCS district receive a letter letting their parents know of the toy shelf. Parents then schedule an appointment to come and "shop" for their children.

"We set up tables in the school cafeteria and the parents can come in and pick out toys that they know will suit their children," Veltz said. When parents come to shop they are given vouchers for a low end toy ($5 to $10 value); a high end toy ($10 value or more); a stocking stuffer; a book; a stuffed animal and a pair of mittens and a hat.

Toys are collected and stored until December 16 when volunteers will pack them up and take them to the school. Children in the Brockport school system help out the Toy Shelf by hosting a nickel drive in the elementary school - the money earned from that goes toward book purchases. A middle school dance raises money to purchase toys from Wal-Mart for the Toy Shelf.

"It's so satisfying being able to help the children of the community and knowing they will wake up with something under their trees on Christmas morning," Veltz said.

The Toy Shelf is in need of: New items, especially for the older children, CDs, CD players, sports equipment, hats and gloves. Items can be dropped off at: Dunn's Home Furnishing, First National Bank, Wegmans, Ryan's Big M, Dollar General or State Farm Insurance (downtown location). Contributions are also accepted for the Gift Angel program at Lift Bridge Book Store. Cash donations are always welcome, Veltz said, and can be mailed to her, with checks made payable to Brockport Toy Shelf, c/o Charlene Veltz, 12 Glendale Road, Brockport. Anyone in need of gifts can call 637-5567 or 637-2361 for information. Donations will be accepted through December 16.