Published: July 19, 2008 08:16 am      

Toy run to help children

The Woodward Area Coalition (WAC) and Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) are teaming up for a special Toy Run to benefit the Woodward Juvenile Court.

“Children need something to do while they wait,” WAC member Sarah Thompson said, noting that children often have to spend long hours waiting for parents to get out of court or for their case to even be heard.

So in partnership with CMA, the coalition is requesting toy donations from the public so that the children can have something to keep them entertained while they go through the long court process, Thompson said.

Donated toys must be ones that are easily stored, quiet and appropriate for a wide range of ages, she said. Games and other kid-friendly entertainment material, such as videos, are also welcome, she said.

In addition to the toys, Thompson said the juvenile court system could also use supplies like antibacterial wipes and disinfectant spray to help keep the toys clean and safe. Facial tissue is also a much needed item, she said.

Donations can be brought by Woodward’s Wal-Mart on July 26 at 4 p.m., which is when the Toy Run is set to kick off.

CMA member Elmer Semmel said the motorcycle group is starting the run at Wal-Mart because the members plan on buying additional toys and supplies.

After collecting all the toys, the CMA motorcyclists will then ride them all over to the Western Plains youth shelter, where they will host a hamburger feed for those who donated toys.

To donate toys before the Toy Run, simply drop them off at Western Plains Youth and Family Services.

For more information about the Toy Run or how to get involved contact Sarah Thompson at the Western Plains Office at 254-5322 or contact Elmer Semmel at 571-2486 or 256-2037.