Earlier this month, Greene County New Opportunities had its annual Greene County Kids Toy Drive, which organizers declared it was a success.

Greene County New Opportunities Coordinator Teresa Lansman tells Raccoon Valley Radio this past Tuesday they served about 285 0-14 year olds in the county, which is slightly up from last year of 250 kids. She points out there are several factors for why they were in need to serve more children this year, with some of the reasons being increased food and gas prices putting strains on budgets and some households have larger families and can’t afford Christmas presents. Lansman expresses her thoughts about where the toys were going to come from this year.

“I was really worried about this year. I was worried that the ones giving wouldn’t have as much to give. I was nervous that we would be struggling this year. And honestly, I’ve been more relaxed this year than I have in years past because it’s just all been coming the whole entire time. It brings tears to your eyes to see all the love and support of the community. It takes a village to raise a child and we’re all coming together to help out the kids and that’s amazing.”   

Lansman appreciates all of the donations and other contributions everyone made to make this  year’s toy drive as successful as it was.