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Date: 1/4/2023
HUNTINGTON — The Village Closet distributed free toys during extended holidays hours on Dec. 22 and 23 leading up to the Christmas holiday, with the help of many volunteers who gave their time to sort donations and set up displays before the doors opened to families.
New toys and children’s clothing were provided by several area agencies and clubs, including the Chester-Blandford Police Department, Gateway Regional High School’s 351 Club, Toys for Tots, True Christmas in Franklin County, and the community members who visit and donate to the Village Closet, a donation and distribution center at 2 E. Main St. in Huntington. Gently used toys, books, winter coats, and new and used holiday clothing were also available.
The Chester-Blandford Police Department ran a toy drive on Dec. 3 and 4 to benefit the Village Closet, bringing in over $1,300 in cash donations to purchase new toys. Rachael Laurie, the administrative assistant at It Takes a Village, the nonprofit organization that manages the Village Closet, dressed up in an elf costume to encourage motorists to stop and donate.
“My heart was bursting!” Laurie said about the unexpected success of the drive. “We’re going shopping and we’re going to find the best deals!”
Goding said the donations were very much needed this year. “Families have been hit especially hard. We had a lot of people who were really desperate,” she said, adding that they were also able to help people in multiple shelters and emergency placements.
Last year, the Village Closet welcomed over 300 families between Thanksgiving and Christmas, distributing nearly $79,000 in free toys, books and winter clothing.
The Village Closet was slated to reopen this week after a short holiday break. Regular hours are Sundays and Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the first Tuesday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m.
Maternity, baby and children’s clothing, supplies and diapers are always available, free to everyone in the community, regardless of income or town of residence. Volunteers are also always needed to help sort and put away donations, to assist families taking items to their cars, and gather items for delivery.
For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit www.hilltownvillage.org, email info@hilltownvillage.org, or call 650-3640.