Volunteers are still needed for the 11th annual Wyoming County Toy Fund project, according to organizers.

Each Monday until the Dec. 20 distribution party, between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m. in the old Pineville Junior High building, adjacent to the Pineville pool, work sessions to refurbish and clean used toys will be conducted, according to chairman Todd Houck.

Additionally, anyone wishing to drop off good, clean used toys, or new toys, may do so at this time.

Any individual, youth, church or civic organization wishing to volunteer their time are welcome to participate in the Monday sessions, Houck said.

Volunteers are also needed Dec. 19 and Dec. 20 at the high school to help set up for the distribution as well assist families shopping for toys.

“This is an excellent opportunity for college-bound students to earn community service hours,” Houck emphasized.

The 11th annual Pearl Bowles Memorial Golf Tournament, the single biggest fundraiser for the Wyoming County Toy Fund, is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 28, at Clearfork Valley Golf Course with an 11 a.m. shotgun start.

Last year’s tournament raised more than $5,000 for the Toy Fund.

Entry fee is $50 per person for the four-person scramble.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second, third and fourth places and lunch will be provided to participants.

For more information or to register for the tournament, phone 304-682-6209.

Pearl Bowles was well known to area golfers who frequent Clearfork Valley Golf Course and Christmas was her favorite time of year.

With all proceeds going to benefit the Wyoming County Toy Fund, the tournament is again expected to provide substantial funding for the project as well as pay tribute to a woman who loved, not only Christmas, but people.

New toys or good, clean used toys may also be dropped off, during normal business hours, at the Wyoming County Courthouse, Pineville or Oceana Town Hall; Feller Insurance in Mullens and Oceana; Brenton, Cyclone, Oceana, Pineville, or Upper Laurel Volunteer Fire Department; Pinnacle Creek Country Store; Calfee Funeral Home in Pineville; Evans Funeral Home in Oceana; Marden Rehab in Oceana; Wyoming County Economic Development Authority (EDA) in Pineville; and Pineville Furniture.

More than 2,000 children will be invited, through the Wyoming County Department of Health and Human Resources, to participate in the Toy Fund distribution party, scheduled Dec. 20 at Wyoming County East High School. Usually between 1,200 and 1,500 of those invited will actually come to the party to pick up toys, according to organizers.

Due to the generosity of many individuals and businesses, primarily in Wyoming County and southern West Virginia, the Wyoming County Toy Fund has helped nearly 20,000 needy children receive Christmas toys, warm clothing, and other gifts over the past decade, Houck noted.

Cash contributions may also 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.

The Wyoming County Toy Fund is a registered non-profit corporation. Donations may be tax-deductible and those making donations will be listed in this newspaper.