WILLIAMS - The Williams Lions Club will again provide toys for needy children 12 years and under this holiday season with its Christmas Toys for Tots Drive in the Williams, Ash Fork, Valle and Parks area. As in past years, community support is essential to provide suitable toys to young kids who might otherwise have a disappointing Christmas.
Cards for children in need of gifts will be available on Christmas trees at National Bank of Arizona, Williams Health Care Center, the Christmas Tree Gallery and the Williams Ranger District office during the first week in December. Anyone wishing to provide a toy for a needy child can pick a card from a tree, purchase a toy suitable for the selected child, wrap the gift and return the gift by Dec. 16 to the business where they were selected. Lions Club members will deliver the gifts to children's homes before Christmas.
Edie Phillips heads up the Lions Clubs Toys for Tots toy drive. She said the program has been ongoing with small changes for close to 25 years. One change that has been particularly successful is placing children's names on the Christmas trees.
"The trees have worked out well and people seem to like them," Phillips said.
The Lions learn of children who could benefit from the program from community service groups, the school nurse and teachers that are aware of children in need.
Phillips said the program really helps make the holidays special for children.
"The kids are always enthused about it. They get really excited," she said.
If you are aware of children 12 or under in the local area who should be included on the Toys for Tots list, please contact Lion Edie Phillips at (928) 635-4784 with the delivery address, child's name, age, sex and parent or guardian's name to have them added to the list.
If you prefer to donate cash or an unwrapped gift, contact Phillips or any Lions or Kiwanis Club member.
