Perry’s Annual Toy Drive continues to be a staple in the community for those in need of gifts during the holiday season. 

Organizer Jon Andorf says that they served 147 families so far this year and that adds up to around 370 children. Andorf calls this year’s toy and gift drive a success. 

“We can’t do this. As my wife says, ‘we can’t do this in a vacuum. It takes a lot of community support, both in terms of donations and distributing the toys.’ And our local eateries are generous. They help me out. We usually have about ten people helping us every day, so they donate things like pizza and other food items so I can feed my crew, Santa’s elves, if you will, every day when we’re working. So we had again, we had a very successful year.”

Andorf notes that most of their donations came from the collection boxes that were located at various businesses including Ben’s Five and Dime, Dollar Tree and Hy-Vee. He states that they will still be taking donations and applications until December 23rd. Those wanting to apply must fill out an application through the Dallas County New Opportunities Office and the applicant live inside the Perry School District.