‘Be the Heart of the Holiday’ Toy Drive benefits Greenwood District 50 students

WCRS Radio launched the “Be the Heart of the Holidays” Toy Drive, in collaboration with Greenwood School District 50, to help approximately 300 students in need.

“These students, ages 4 – 11, have been identified by student support facilitators in our elementary schools as living in difficult situations from homelessness to family issues. Others are in families that cannot afford to provide for the joy of toys that brighten and enthuse a child,” said Julian Gale, director of student services for District 50.

“Your heartfelt gift of toys provides children the opportunity for play and learning. Gifts also are a sign of hope and let children know our community cares about them,” he said. “The simple gift of toys for these students will help support each child in District 50 throughout the year.”

Anne Eller, an award-winning radio host and owner of WCRS Radio 98.5FM and 1450AM, started the campaign to ensure that local children in need will be able to receive toys. “We all know the heart of Christmas is in our hearts, and this year hundreds of students in District 50 will not have the simple joy of toys without your heart.”

She praised Greenwood “as a very giving community,” and said, “Rhere are many different ways to contribute. But for the child in me, there is nothing like that unexpected toy to create a sense of everything special about the holidays – from a sense of security to happiness and joy. The lack of that simple toy, when others are receiving toys, can create a sense of sadness, a lack of self-worth and belonging.

“Our ‘Be the Heart of the Holidays’ Toy Drive is one small, but very important way to help our children experience the holiday joy that other children around them will have.”

Since the campaign began, other area sponsors have joined the effort, including Chick-fil-A, Lee’s Jewelers, TLC Realty, Harley Funeral Home and Crematory, Edge Home Finance, La Rosa Realty, and the Lakelands Marines.

Stephen Shenal, of the Lakelands Marines, said his organization appreciates the opportunity to participate in this important effort. “Many groups and programs around the United States gather toys at Christmas. All of these are worthwhile endeavors. We like the fact that ‘Be the Heart of the Holidays’ is a way to contribute to a local cause where children in the Greenwood area will benefit.”

Toys can be dropped off at these locations through Thursday, Dec. 14: Chick-fil-A, The Dixie,Dairy Queen, The Museum, Greenwood Community Theatre, Lee’s Jewelers, Fat Daddy’s, T.W. Boones, Star Fort Golf, Polaris Gaming and WCRS Radio.

For Information about the “Be the Heart of the Holidays” Toy Drive or to make a monetary donation to support the purchase of toys, call Anne Eller at 864-229-7984.

Updates about the event will posted on the WCRS 98.5/1450AM Facebook page.