The Salvation Army has begun distributing toys to thousands of parents this week for Christmas.
At the Hartford Salvation Army location, parents were able to choose one toy and one stocking stuffer for each child, as well as a board game for the family.
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community. All of the toys and gifts we’ve received have been donated by the community, which shows how important this cause is to the community and how much they care about our families,” said Lauren Fair, the director of social services for the Greater Hartford Area Salvation Army.
One of the less fortunate mothers who picked out toys for her children was Carla Valdes, of East Hartford. She has four children under the age of 9 and said the toy drive is crucial to helping provide for her children.
“Amazing. You get to choose what you actually need and what you know your kids will play with. This is a blessing,” said Valdes.
The organization is still accepting unwrapped toys because the Bridgeport location and Torrington location are short on toys.
There are 179 children in need In Bridgeport and 70 in Torrington.
Local
Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the below locations:
The Salvation Army
30 Elm St.
Bridgeport
The Salvation Army
234 Oak Ave.
Torrington
The Salvation Army is also in its last week of collections for the Red Kettle Campaign.
The goal is to raise $1.3 million in Connecticut and so far approximately $769,000 has been raised. The money raised goes toward year-round programs for seniors, the youth, shelters and food pantries.
Some locations experiencing a decline in kettle donations since last year are Danbury, Manchester, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington and Waterbury.
