A helping agency is looking to make Christmas for low income households just a little bit better. 

The New Opportunities Dallas County Outreach Center is holding their annual Toys and Gifts fundraiser where they gather presents and give them to families that are in need for the Christmas season. Spearheading the Fundraiser, John Andorf says they are currently accepting donations from the public that includes new toys for boys and girls, gift cards or a cash donation that would go directly into buying the needed gifts. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio this fundraiser served 116 families and over 270 children last year.

“It’s hard for me to imagine because I grew up getting, you know, some nice toys for Christmas, waking up on a holiday morning and not finding a toy from Santa under the tree. And just the parents’ reaction when they pick up the toys. It’s so exhilarating to see, you know, they’re so thankful.”

Andorf explains all donations to be dropped off at the following locations in Perry: Ben’s Five And Dime, Lazy Goose, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, HyVee, Perry Public Library and the Perry Perk until November 30th. He notes that potential recipients can fill out an application at the family center until December 24th.