By Dawn A. Dayton
The weather certainly has been frightful, but the atmosphere was delightful Monday on the second day of the annual Mac’s Toy Fund distribution party.
The record-setting December snowstorm that dumped on southern West Virginia forced Mac’s officials to extend the event an extra day — for the first time ever — so that more ticketholders would be able to come select toys for their childrens’ Christmas.
With Monday’s 510 recipients added to the 525 who received their toys Saturday, nearly 25 percent of the more than 4,000 invited were served at the 79th annual event.
Given the weather, Mac’s Vice President Pete Torrico was pleased with the turnout both Saturday and Monday.
“Anyone who came out Saturday or today had a true need. We’re happy we can meet that need.”
One of the happiest kids to go through the line Monday was 2-year-old Cade Ratliff, who proudly showed off his bright green truck.
“Truck!” he exclaimed to the workers as his mom, Beth Ratliff checked out.
She added that she had no trouble making it to the party, although most roads are still snow-covered and somewhat bumpy.
Tameika Bradley was a repeat visitor with her daughters Tenia Bradley and Lahaeyah Ayers.
“We come every year,” Bradley said.
Wanda Goode of Beckley said Mac’s is a wonderful thing. Among the items she had scooped up for her four children were wizard and pirate tools. Goode added there was a good selection of toys from which to choose.
Volunteers were in shorter supply Monday than what one would normally see at a Mac’s party, but the ones who were there certainly were enthusiastic. Their responsibilities ranged from taking recipients through the line, handing out fruit, keeping the tables stocked and helping folks to their cars.
Sisters Sheila and Melissa Hazelwood manned the fruit station.
Sheila helped out last year and Monday marked Melissa’s first time.
A student at Beckley-Stratton Middle School, Melissa said that the whole Mac’s concept is “really awesome. It really helps people out.”
Her sister, a Woodrow Wilson High School student, said, “Mac’s is a really good cause, and volunteering gives back to people less fortunate. It’s fun, too!”
Chrissy Gill, a 13-year volunteer, says she comes back every year because she wants to make a difference for the kids.
“Seeing the kids smile, that’s what it’s all about,” Gill said.
Cindy Parker is also a long-time volunteer, continuing a tradition started by her dad, Allen Bonds Jr., who was a Beckley firefighter. Cindy’s son Patrick is carrying the tradition on through the next generation.
“Kids can’t help the environment they live in and I want everyone to have the merriest Christmas possible. It’s a wonderful thing to put a smile on a child’s face.”
Her son said working at Mac’s gives him a sense of accomplishment.
Toy Fund Treasurer Sherrie Hunter says being able to volunteer for Mac’s Toy Fund is a blessing.
“It’s hard to forget the smiles on kids’ faces when they get the toy they wanted.”
Monetary donations for Mac’s Toy Fund are still being accepted. Send them to Mac’s Toy Fund, PO Box 2398, Beckley, WV 25802.
— E-mail: ddayton@register-herald.com
