At the midway point of the annual Pike County Cares Toys for Tots and Coat for a Kid Campaign, organizers are asking residents to pick up the pace in the way of donations down the homestretch.
The organization, founded by Larry Goings 14 years ago, will have a toy and coat drive from 10:30 a.m. until noon on Dec. 19 at the law office of John McNeil on Cherry Street in Magnolia, across from the Pike County Courthouse.
“We’re definitely in need of clean, used coats. Mothers can go and clean out their closets for coats,” Goings said. “We’re still in need of wrapped Christmas gifts, labeled with age and gender of the kid.”
The outreach program is geared toward local children age 1 to 10. Goings said parents must accompany children and parents must have a valid Pike County driver’s license and address.
Goings asks all donations be dropped off at the law office by Dec. 18. The office can be reached at 783-5800.
“Half of our goal would be to have 100 coats donated,” Goings said. “We’re looking to serve 200 children. These coats and toys will be distributed to local churches. You can never have enough.”
Goings said he is feeling the pressure as Dec. 19 draws closer.
During the 14 years of the program, Goings said no child has ever been turned away without receiving a coat or toy. He doesn’t want to see that happen this holiday season.
“Yes, I’ve gained a few more gray hairs since this campaign began,” Goings said. “There is always a concern there will not be enough to serve every child who shows up.
“But God has always provided, and I believe He will provide again,” he said.
Goings is asking for assistance from all areas, including, fraternities, businesses, churches and individuals to help make this Christmas a special one for local youth.
More than 2,500 children have received a new coat and toy for Christmas since the drive debuted.
