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Date: 1/4/2023
MONSON – Seventy-four children in Monson received toys this holiday season because of the annual toy drive.
Nearly 1,000 items were collected from Nov. 1 to Dec. 23, 2022. Resident Kristine Duval and Town Clerk Mary Watson coordinated the collection and distribution process.
With a plethora of board games, dolls, monster trucks and more, Duval said the 74 children each received at least 10 items.
As the donations started coming in, everything was stacked up in an empty conference room of myMonson located on Main Street. Families seeking toys were able to come in and pick them up or have the items delivered.
Duval noted that the toy drive was open to children of all ages. While it is primarily for children of Monson, she said that families from neighboring towns may also receive toys if nominated by someone.
As this is the third year Duval has been assisting Watson with the town’s toy drive, she recalled a similar turnout in previous years.
“I started Hugs from Monson three years ago,” shared Duval. During the coronavirus pandemic, the town was unable to host the annual toy drive. With the support of a friend, Duval created the nonprofit group to serve the children and seniors living in Monson during the holiday season and beyond.
She went on to say, “I run a second part [of the drive].” This includes obtaining items for nominated seniors and those receiving meals on wheels. For any senior that needs to be covered, Duval said a donor shops specifically for that person. This year’s collection served 70 seniors.
Duval explained that she hosts a craft fair in July at Westview Creamery. The fee collected by vendors at the craft fair is used to fund the senior portion of the drive.
Reflecting on the holiday drive, Duval shared, “It was very successful.”
She added, “A lot of our donors are our local businesses.” The local businesses are a “bulk” of the entirety of items collected, said Duval.