By Mary Catherine Brooks
NEW RICHMOND — Despite more than 2 feet of snow on the ground, just over 800 children were served during the 11th annual Wyoming County Toy Fund distribution party Wednesday afternoon at Wyoming County East High School.
Santa�s helpers, decked in red Toy Fund T-shirts, darted and packed up Christmas surprises as the distribution wound down.
Families chose from new toys, refurbished toys, warm clothing and treats as they wound their way through the maze of toy stations.
�We�ve only had about half as many as we usually have,� explained Todd Houck, Toy Fund chairman.
The same went for volunteers.
�We usually have about 300 volunteers, this year we�ve only had about 125 people volunteer,� Houck noted.
Members of the Mullens Moose Lodge moved toys from storage Tuesday.
�Without them we would never have been able to do this,� Houck emphasized.
If donations do not increase, the Toy Fund may not be able to continue, he added.
�We raised about $15,000 and we spent about $22,000 for new toys,� he said. �If that doesn�t change and we don�t collect more money, then we�ll have to fold the Toy Fund tent.�
Houck said the main support of the Toy Fund has always been the $10, $20, and $50 donations, which have been way down this year.
�We do have some large contributors, but the small donations have always been what has kept us going,� Houck emphasized.
�With the economy the way it is ... people may have gone back to work, but they are still in debt. In turn, the businesses don�t have money. In this county, we depend on the workers,� explained Dale Stewart, Toy Fund treasurer.
Brothers of the Wheel provided all of the new bikes for this year�s event, Houck noted.
Additionally, Schools Superintendent Frank Blackwell arranged for having the parking lots scraped to prepare for the distribution, Houck said.
Myleigh Stewart, 9, was among the most steadfast volunteers, Stewart noted.
�She�s worked at every work session and she�s been here both days,� he said.
�She�s been our most faithful volunteer this year,� he emphasized.
Cash contributions may still be made at any branch of First Peoples Bank, First Century Bank, or First Community Bank, or, contributions may be mailed to L. Dale Stewart, Treasurer; P.O. Box 268; Matheny, WV 24860.
