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Red Cross readies for annual Toy Drive

Red Cross volunteers assemble toy collection boxes. (left to right): Lynn Schwartz, Dorrie Durand, Ivy Ward, and Bill Pruyne. Reminder Publications submitted photo
The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter Disaster Action Team is working hard on their annual Toy Drive. It is a collection program to receive holiday donations to be distributed to the children of families the Red Cross has helped after house fires and other disasters over this past year. Several volunteers are leading this annual effort and assisting with the toy drive preparations.

Dorrie Durand has been a volunteer for the Disaster Action Team at the Pioneer Valley Chapter for three years. She is the co-chair for the drive and has assisted with the distribution of the gifts for the last two years. Durand stated, "The community support is amazing. This whole process is a wonderful experience."

Lynn Schwartz has been involved with Red Cross for the past year but this is her first time assisting with the toy drive. Schwartz says of her volunteer experience, "This is absolutely the best thing I ever did. Being able to give back to the community and helping people in their time of need."

Since 2005 Mary Fitzhugh has volunteered with the American Red Cross and has been to many local fires and national deployments as well. "It's a great way to be involved in a meaningful way," stated Fitzhugh.

The public is invited to support this special effort by donating a toy to be given to one of the Red Cross client families. The Toy Drive will continue until Dec. 20. Several locations throughout the community are set up for drop offs. These include: Healthtrax in East Longmeadow or West Springfield; Coldwell Bankers in Chicopee; Nick's Nest in Holyoke; Holyoke Credit Union in Holyoke, West Springfield and Agawam; and Bank of America in Longmeadow.

For additional information for drop off locations contact Mary Nathan, Disaster Specialist at the Pioneer Valley Chapter at 737-4306 ext. 917.

All contributions will be appreciated and will brighten the holidays for these children who continue to be affected by the challenges of recovery following disaster in our hometowns.