Toys For Tots Gears Up for a Weekend of Helping Kids in Need

SIDNEY, Neb- After weeks of collecting money and toys for those in need this holiday season, Toys For Tots organizer Christina Guhdahl and her team of volunteers will be inviting parents from the community to shop for the things they need to give their kids a Merry Christmas.

The toys and monetary donations have been collected for several weeks culminating in a "Pack the Truck" event held over the weekend at the Sidney Walmart. Donations were collected from community members and more than a few out of town good Samaritans.

"I am still in shock at our community but I'm also in shock at the passersby that were willing to donate.  I mean the truck drivers, the people that were just stopping at Walmart for a quick break," Guhdahl said.  She even recalled a family traveling from Florida to North Dakota that donated three bags of toys that will be distributed locally.

The shopping will take place this Saturday at the Sidney Elks Lodge at 1040 Jackson St.  With doors opening at 8:00 am, Guhdahl hopes everyone will have a chance to shop by 2:00 pm.  Organizers ask that those that wish to participate fill out an application online at www.sidney-ne.toysfortots.org in preparation for the first come, first serve event on Saturday.

If you have time to offer up on Saturday, you are invited to the Elks Lodge at 7:30 am to volunteer, helping parents with their shopping and wrapping gifts.  Donations will be accepted through Wednesday for toys for kids 0-18 and monetary donations are used so volunteers can shop for the things that are in demand this year.

For more information you can visit the Southern Nebraska Panhandle Toys For Tots Facebook page. You may also call Katie at 308-249-7713 or Christina at 308-249-4231.