Quincy 2020 Christmas Registration & Distribution
For many, Christmas isn’t even on their radar yet. But for The Salvation Army, Quincy Catholic Charities, and Toys for Tots, the holiday has been at the top of their projects list for months.
“Knowing this year’s Christmas distribution would have to be different,” stated The Salvation Army Development Director Patty Douglas, “we chose to contact Toys for Tots and Quincy Catholic Charities, who have been working together for several years, to see if a joint distribution would be possible.” Having these three non-profits come together isn’t unusual. Toys for Tots, The Salvation Army, and Douglas Community Center in Hannibal have been doing a combined distribution for years. “Bringing the three of us together here in Quincy just makes sense,” stated Captain Kristina Sjogren. “This will be a blessing for the people in the communities we serve.”
The Salvation Army will continue to have its Angel Trees; one located within The Kroc Center and one within Walmart. Rather than a Salvation Army barrel, donors will place their toys in a large box with the three non-profits’ logos. This year, due to COVID-19 concerns, only new toys will be accepted.
“Quincy Catholic Charities graciously welcomes The Salvation Army to join in registering families for Toys for Tots this Christmas season. Everyone benefits by this partnership and the giving spirit of Christmas is alive when communities come together,” says Jackie Bruns, Area Director, Quincy Catholic Charities.
Knowing COVID-19 will still be a concern for many in the community, the organizations have chosen to make adjustments to both registration and distribution. The Salvation Army will take applications for assistance October 12-14 from 1-4pm and October 15-16 from 1-6pm. Registration will be held in The Kroc Center Worship Theater, 405 Vermont Street and social distancing and sanitation protocols will be followed.
Quincy Catholic Charities’ registration days will be November 2-20 and November 30-December 4 from 8:30am-12 and 1-4:30pm. Registration will be held within their facility located at 620 Maine Street. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed.
Registration dates will be for both toys and Christmas food boxes.
“No matter which registration date/place a client chooses, each organization representative will be wearing masks and clients will be asked to do so as well,” stated Douglas.
Distribution of toys will take place at the Toys for Tots facility, the old Motorola Building located at 30th and Locust. Once again, all COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. “Knowing we need to limit the number of people within the distribution site, distribution of toys and meals will take place over the course of four days,” stated Steve Lindsey, of Toys for Tots. Clients will be assigned a date and time to come to the facility and shop for their gifts and pick-up their food boxes. Masks will be required to be worn by both volunteers and clients.
Questions regarding this year’s Christmas toy and food distribution can be directed to the following contacts: The Salvation Army Melissa Bailey at 217-231-5674 or Quincy Catholic Charities at 217-222-0958.