WACO, TX — The Shepherd’s Heart Toys from the Heart toy drive finished up today.
The Shepherd’s Heart Toys from the Heart toy drive gives 500 to 600 children in Waco the opportunity to receive toys and celebrate Christmas, but after a tough year and unemployment on the rise, the need is the greatest Robert Gager has seen in a long time.
“It’s been a difficult year, but honestly its been a generous year. I have seen before give, and I don’t want to say they never gave before, but they were new donors to us and they really impressed us. Really impressed us, because of the need in the community and they said, ‘we want to give to you,’”said Shepherd's Heart Executive Director, Robert Gager.
Amelia’s Fashion Exchange was one of the businesses participating in the toy drive.
Employees of the small boutique loved being able to make a difference in a child’s life right here in their own community.
“We really wanted to show we care, especially during this holiday time. During this year, it’s been especially hard, but as a business we wanted to share that with other people,”said sales associate, Maritza Ibanez.
Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry took their truck and began loading up the toys this morning. And with each stop, the pile of toys began to grow along with the generosity and giving hearts of each local business.
“For us, its just a small thing, but for them, it’s a really big thing. It’s Christmas. So that’s super important to us,”said Ibanez.
“Everywhere you go, you are seeing that. You’re seeing that we care. We have a generous heart. We want to help those in need. I want to thank the Waco community for the out pouring of food, donations, and toys. This is wonderful. We are going to make a lot of kids happy this year,”said Gager.
If you would like to donate, there is one more drop off location still available. The Baylor Club has extended their drive to Sunday where they will be having a drive through drop off in the McLane Stadium parking lot from 10am to 2pm.
