With the holidays inching nearer every day, a local Toys for Tots program has opened registration to help share the joy of Christmas with area children in need.
In a partnering with the Central Mississippi U.S. Marines Toys for Tots, Afternoon Adventure Learning Center recently opened their Toys for Tots registration for residents within Newton County. Opened to ages 0-12, parents who would like to register their children can drop by the learning center’s location, 306 North Main Street in Newton, between 2-4:30 p.m. from Monday-Friday. Parents can also register online by going to their website, www.afternoonadventure.org. The final day to register is Nov. 30. Toys will be distributed on Dec. 20.
Afternoon Adventure Executive Director Kristie Temple said that this is the fourth year for Afternoon Adventure to partner with the Central Mississippi U.S. Marines Toys for Tots, with a mission to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them as Christmas gifts to economically disadvantaged children.
“Last year, the Central Mississippi Toys for Tots campaign helped 20,596 children in central Mississippi, including 135 children in Newton County,” said Temple. “And we’re hoping it will be even more this year, because we’re trying to let people know that we’re here for families throughout the Newton County area. We want to get as many kids as possible signed up that need’s toys for Christmas.”
According to Temple, the process of registering children is just as simple as providing some identification and proof of residence.
“All they have to do to register is bring their photo ID, their children’s birth certificates, and proof that they live in Newton County,” she explained. “We don’t ask for your income, and we don’t make any copies of anything, we just need verify that you live in Newton County.”
Temple added that if families do call or come by to register that may not live in the Newton County area, they would help get them in touch with a Toys for Tots location in their area. Donations and Volunteers Needed If you would like to help bring some cheer to Newton County families this Christmas by donating a new, unwrapped toy, or if your business would like to host a Toys for Tots collection box, contact Temple at 601-934-8978 or via email ktemple@afternoonadventure.org. New, unwrapped toys can also be dropped off at area businesses hosting a Toys for Tots collection box, such as Blossman Gas in Newton, during their business hours.
Temple said they’re always looking for volunteers to help sort and distribute the toys to families, as well.
“The more we grow, the more help we need to get those toys to families,” she said.
With a motivation to help families in need in Newton County, Temple is enthusiastic that they will help even more children have a Merry Christmas this year.
“It’s a great feeling to help bring joy to a child on Christmas morning,” she said. “Just that single act of kindness helps bring joy to that child.”
