Today dawns snowy and cold in Beckley, but there will be warmth and smiles at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center as the 79th annual Mac’s Toy Fund distribution party goes on as scheduled.

“The weather doesn’t usually dampen the spirits of our recipients,” Mac’s President Dawn Dayton said. “The last time we had snow, our numbers were down somewhat, but we still had a good crowd.”

In addition to the new toys purchased with Mac’s donor money and the used toys, bikes and coats collected, “shoppers” will also be able to chose from a selection of exquisitely crafted handmade wooden toys built by inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution near Beckley.

“These toys are really popular,” Dayton said, “practically flying out the door.”

Gloves, hats and mittens are provided again this year by members of the Family Worship Center, assisted by Faith Community Church.

Faith Community is a new church which is meeting at the convention center. Members collected over 100 gloves and hats.

More special aid was provided to Mac’s this year by Jean Cirak of Mount Hope, who donated 84 coats, 130 pairs of gloves and mittens, 99 hats, 28 scarves and 18 toys, and who with her husband Gene also made a monetary donation.

Most of the items, Jean says, she purchased on eBay.

“I tend to get a little carried away when I start a project,” she said. “I think if you have, you need to give back.”

It took two carloads to get the Ciraks’ donations to the Beckley Newspapers office.

“I’ve always been very aware that some people need. I’ve always been fortunate, and I think whatever you have, you can look around and see that there’s a lot of people who have less.”

But the largest contribution of all has come, as usual, from the Raleigh County Singing Convention.

The singers topped themselves again this year, raising a record $3,100.

The Singing Convention travels to 12 different churches one Sunday a month though the course of the year. A free will offering taken at each appearance comprises its donation to Mac’s — and it increases every year.

This year’s contributing churches are Jones Memorial Baptist, West Raleigh Baptist, Calloway Heights Baptist, Mabscott Christian Baptist, Sophia Freewill Baptist, Crab Orchard Church of the Brethren, Coal City Freewill Baptist, Prosperity First Baptist, Ghent Missionary Baptist, New Salem Baptist, Maple Fork Baptist and New Life Baptist.

The Raleigh County Singing Convention will perform at today’s Mac’s party.

In addition to all the people who made monetary contributions, special thanks go to those who contributed used toys, dolls, bicycles and coats and to the volunteers who will brave snowy roads to help ensure the success of today’s event.

— Reporter Jackie Ayres contributed to this story.