By JOSEPH STENDER
Not wanting any child to miss out on the holiday season, two local woman hope to deliver a little holiday cheer to those affected by Superstorm Sandy by holding a toy drive Saturday.
Joy Clester and Carrie Brown are asking that anyone who can donate new or gently used toys for children of any age to do so by dropping them off at Hometown Floral and Gifts, 4 W. Southern Ave., South Williamsport, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"We have kids and we can't imagine all of the kids that don't have a home and going through Christmas with nothing," Clester said.
The toys collected will be delivered to local dropoff stations in areas affected by the storm. Clester said she has relatives who live in New Jersey and understands the destruction that the storm created. She added that this is different way of helping those affected.
"With the holidays coming, we just felt this would be something to put a little cheer in their lives," Clester said. "Christmas isn't really an option for them and we thought maybe having some toys for them would let them know people care for them out there."
Brown said that since the area wasn't affected as much as others, the two woman thought it only was right they help those who were.
"I just wanted to help because we were so lucky," she said.
Brown added that local businesses also have chipped in with baked goods to sell and other donations for a Chinese auction. All proceeds from the bake sale and auction will go toward the cost of delivering the toys and helping to buy extra toys.
Clester added that the event is an opportunity for parents to teach their children about giving to others.
"It's about the children and it's about the lesson that we should help others that are in need," she said. "Do your little part to make a big difference in some one else's (life)."
Both also said they already have talked to their own daughters about helping.
"I want my daughter to appreciate the value of helping others, learning it's not always about what you get but what you can give to others," Brown said.
"I know how my daughter felt. She really didn't want to give away one of her toys until she found out that other kids were in need," Clester added.
Brown said people have been dropping toys off all week and they already have a small pile started. The two urged all who could help, to do so.
"All kids should have a Christmas," Clester said.
