The holidays for area kids are getting a little brighter during this season of giving.
The kickoff for the Eighth Annual Bill Pickett Christmas Toy Drive was held Saturday, Nov. 26 at the Texas Beer Company, which has partnered with the foundation for years.
“We had the kickoff at the Texas Beer Company, which is our home base,” said Gerald Anderson, the foundation’s executive director. “And we have been partners with them since they came to town.”
The purpose of the project, which runs through December 18, is to let no kid falls through the cracks this holiday season.
“That’s our goal and our mission is to make sure that every kid has a present to open on Christmas,” Anderson said.
Anderson said new, unwrapped toys for all ages are welcome, and can be dropped off at Texas Beer Company and HT Fitness, as well as other locations.
“We are looking for anything from baby toys up to teenagers,” Anderson said. “And then for teenagers, they like anything from hoodies and gift cards starting with what the teenagers are more into.”
Facebook/TexasBeerCompany/ “People are encouraged to donate toys at our taproom,” Texas Beer Company organizers wrote on their Facebook page. “Everyone who donates will get a free TBC beer. Last year we supported over 450 kids, and our goal is to make this year’s charity drive even bigger!”
There is also an angel tree with specific requests for toys on the window at beer company, as well as a virtual angel tree at https://www. signupgenius.com/ go/10c094eaea929 a1fbc61-virtual.
In addition, volunteers are needed to wrap presents on Dec. 21 from 3 to 8 p.m. and on Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dickey-Givens Community Center in Taylor at 308 S Dolan St.
“What we do is not like the Red Santa where they provide families with a whole Christmas,” Anderson said. “We just try to supplement the Christmas, so we don’t do the electronics. We used to do bikes, but that got kind of expensive, and so now we just try to do the toys and just make sure that every kid has something to open even if it’s just two or three toys.”
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOLIDAY GIVING
Red Santa
This annual program is run by the Taylor Fire Department. New toys and clothing, as well as monetary donations, may be dropped off at the Fire Administration building at 304 E. Third St., Station 1, 200 Washburn or Station 2, 705 NW Carlos G. Parker Blvd. Sports balls, books for all ages, makeup for older kids, games, bicycle helmets in all sizes are particularly soughtafter items, said organizers. The deadline for donating is Fri, Dec 16. In addition, volunteers are invited to help with gift wrapping items on Tues, Dec 20, starting at 5 p.m. in the auditorium of City Hall, 400 Porter St.
Daniel’s Toy Box
A toy drive dedicated to the memory of a lost child, Daniel’s Toy Box will be giving toy donations at 4 p.m. on Dec. 17. at Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant, 1808 W. Second Street in Taylor. Families that reside in Taylor or the closest surrounding cities should register to receive toys by contacting the restaurant at 512-352-3995.
Gift a Senior
Make the holidays special for elderly residents by donating $15 for this drive, which will give them a surprise gift that will include fuzzy socks, and lotion for their feet. For more information, call 512-507-4144.
SPJST Angel Tree
The residents at the SPJST, a nursing home and rehabilitation facility in Taylor, have their individual wish lists on an angel tree. According to officials, this often includes socks, blanket, candy, clothes and other items. To get an ornament, come by SPJST, at 1810 Old Granger Road or call 512-3526337 for more information.
Hutto Orange Santa
Orange Santa, a Hutto program sponsored by the Hutto High School Law Enforcement Officers Club, aims to provide a Christmas experience for children in families that are experiencing severe economic stress with a full Christmas dinner and toys for over 1,200 kids. Donations are taken up to Dec. 10. The distribution and dinner is Dec. 10 at Hutto High School. For more Information: hipponation. org/domain/411.
Reporter Edie Zuvanich contributed to this report.
