Pontiac Toy Shop Inspires Children to Follow Their Passions
*Cars line up to receive Toy Shop items
The Pontiac Corps and Wallace E. Holland Community Center Toy Shop runs like a well-oiled machine: families submit wish lists the month prior. Then each household’s items are packaged in bags reminiscent of Santa’s toy bag.
On the days of the Toy Shop, cars line up around the building and volunteers load them with toys, Bountiful Boxes, (food boxes donated by Bank of America) and gift cards. This system, which was developed during COVID, has continued to work well the past two years.
Something else making Pontiac unique is that some of the toys distributed are STEM related, encouraging children who are interested in science and technology to develop their passion:
“We have everything from rockets to geo-caching systems, rock-collecting gear, science kits, slime kits and glow-in-the-dark rockets. We had three microscopes with petri dishes, some science books, and a bunch of labels kits,” said Pontiac Corps officer Captain Larisha Richardson.
The Corps tries as much as possible to fulfill specific wish list requests as well.
“Some kids ask for specific gifts such as arts and crafts. So, it’s good to fulfill these wish lists. We do pretty good getting as close as possible with the wish lists. We have a very kind and giving community,” Richardson said.
*Toy drive volunteers Trevor, Jay and Tony
This system is made possible by dedicated volunteers, some with deep ties to the Corps, and others who are newcomers.
Jay and Trevor are the latter: they are part of the Sheriff PAL Program, an organization that allows any child in Oakland County to play sports for free. Its founder, Sheriff Bouchard, felt that many children were being priced out of being able to compete, due to the price of equipment and other expenses.
The Salvation Army Pontiac Corps and Wallace E. Holland Community Center has helped to promote the PAL Program, so the partnership has attracted volunteers like Jay and Trevor. PAL’s basketball coach, Tony, is also an employee at the Corps and has been coming there since childhood.
“For me, being born and raised in this building as a kid and growing up on the east side of Pontiac, to be able to come back to my childhood surroundings and give back is awesome,” Tony said.
*Toy drive volunteer, Tanner
Along with the STEM toys there is also sports equipment for children and teenagers who have a passion for sports, like volunteer and PAL Program participant, Tanner. He was encouraged to volunteer at the Toy Drive by Coach Tony and has volunteered at summer camp as well. An avid sports fan, he aspires to be a sports journalist someday.
“It’s good to give back to the community and give back to the kids.” said Tanner.
*Tanner helps load toys into cars
The Pontiac Corps and Wallace E. Holland Community Center Toy Shop shows that donating makes a lasting impact and is an investment in the future.
If you would like to help make this investment, you can donate to The Salvation Army now. And thanks to The Consortium of Hope, all donations from now till New Year’s Eve will be doubled.