PORT TOWNSEND –The distribution of toys to needy children in Jefferson County will be assumed by a team of seven women who hope to streamline the process and efficiently distribute donated toys to the kids who need them.
“I started this about six years ago,” said Denice Irish, an employee of Jefferson County Children’s Services.
“But it has grown and grown and grown until it was too much for me, so I asked for help.”
Adding to this load is the absence of an active Toys for Tots program in Jefferson County and this year’s notification from the Clallam County effort that it could no longer cross county lines to bring toys to kids.
Irish called a meeting of all the volunteers Tuesday, at which time those gathered planned the strategy for the distribution of around 700 or 800 toys — although the actual number is yet to be determined.
Anyone who needs help in getting toys for their kids needs only apply at Children’s Services, 915 Sheridan St.
The requirements are that the kids must live in the applicant’s home and be younger than 18, although older kids with disabilities qualify for the program.
“Every year the applications have increased dramatically,” Irish said.
“Yesterday we had 40 applications.”
The toys can be dropped off at Children’s Services and will be taken to a workshop — a “secret location” — where they will be stored until Dec. 17.
At that time, all those who have applied will be contacted and told where they can pick up the gifts.
Organizations represented at Tuesday’s meeting were the Boiler Room (Marla Overman), the Kiwanis Club (Barb Traylor) and OlyCAP (Melody Alexander).
Also attending the meeting were volunteers Linda McKenzie and Carrie Muellner, along with Children’s Services employee Chrystal Bayless.
“A few years ago our family decided to stop giving gifts.” Mullener said.
“We didn’t need more stuff and it didn’t feel good to keep getting stuff for people who don’t need it.”
The group hopes to set a time and place for a Saturday collection point, probably on Dec. 11, where people can drop off the toys they have bought.
The most desirable location will be south of town, so people who are driving in from a shopping trip to Silverdale or Sequim can just pull over and drop off the gift.
Even if the gift collectors are not particular about the place of origin, Irish suggests that those who don’t know what to get as a gift should choose a gift certificate from Quimper Sound or another local business.
Even a Safeway gift card works in most cases.
“Any kid will want a book or music,” she said.
“And even if this is for the kids there are families that will be hungry during the holidays so a card from Safeway will help out.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
