Detroit Grandale Corps Community Center Hosts Annual Toy Shop
* Volunteer Vicky fills bags with toys
Last week The Salvation Army Detroit Grandale Corps Community Center hosted their annual Toy Shop. The center’s gym held a fully stocked array of toys and gifts for ages 14 and under, as well as food boxes and gift cards.
The food boxes were donated by Bank of America as part of their “Bountiful Boxes” program and were filled with food for a complete Christmas dinner. They were distributed through multiple Salvation Army Toy Shops in the Metro Detroit area.
* Bank of America "Bountiful Boxes"
The Grandale Toy Shop required appointments to be made for maximum efficiency of distribution, with 10 families coming in every 15 minutes. After checking in, volunteer “runners” walked clients through the toys with a bag. Each family received two toys per child, something off the “stocking stuffer” table and a gift card and food box.
“It’s flowing really well; we don’t have anyone waiting upstairs. They come in and they sign up and they send them right down here,” Detroit Grandale’s Envoy Jackie Ellingson said.
The toy’s age groups ranged from infant to teenager, with slightly higher demand among 13- and 14-year-olds.
Some toys were donated by the Detroit Athletic Club’s (DAC) donation drive “Miracle on Madison,” such as a variety of stuffed animals which included a giant teddy bear.
* Stuffed animals donated by the DAC
Volunteers assisted at the registration table, as runners guiding clients, and re-stocking toys throughout the day. Some from the Detroit Grandale Women’s Ministry sorted the toys into age groups.
* Detroit Grandale Women's Ministry volunteers with Envoy Jackie Ellingson
According to Vicky, a volunteer, the gifts have been greatly appreciated by everyone coming in:
“I’ve had several people tell me their money was very low this year, and they are so grateful, and they enjoy the quality of the items.”
Overall, the Detroit Grandale Toy Shop has been a great success, making the holiday a little brighter for families in need.
If you would like to help The Salvation Army continue with great programs like Toy Shops, you can donate to Detroit Grandale’s virtual red kettle, or volunteer. The Salvation Army remains committed to spreading Love Beyond Christmas by providing help during the holidays, and all year round.