Following last month’s Hometown Holiday Food Drive, which enabled more than 90 Wellington families to share a holiday meal this year, the village continues in that same spirit with its annual Hometown Holiday Toy Drive, which is currently underway and accepting donations. Now in its fourth year, the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive will give hundreds of needy children a chance to enjoy the holiday season in a manner similar to those more fortunate.
In addition to providing gifts for children, the drive also lends support to a number of crucial services and organizations, including the Kids Cancer Foundation, Home Safe and the Children’s Home Society, as well as benefiting children at Palms West Hospital. Thankfully, Wellington is not alone in this effort, receiving support from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, the Mall at Wellington Green, and local civic organizations and businesses. Though all of their efforts will result in bringing smiles to many young faces, there’s always more that can be done.
The holiday season puts a focus on giving and receiving, and that includes passing along that tradition to the younger generation. The toy drive is a good, practical way for parents to teach their children about the spirit of giving, as well as a way to show them that there are others who aren’t as fortunate. Besides, who would know the right children’s gifts to choose better than a child?
Parents who participate in the toy drive with their children have the opportunity to actually show them how it is better to give than receive, showing that there’s just as much pleasure in seeing someone else enjoy the holidays and knowing they helped make it possible. Even if your child understands this in principle, it’s much more effective when they can learn it through experience. It’s also a good way to show why they should be thankful for what they do have, even if they didn’t receive all the presents on their wish list.
Of course, you’re never too old to learn and be inspired by those who give selflessly during the holidays. And it’s a lesson that lasts all year long. This year, we ask that you lead by example. If you’re interested in donating to the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive, you can drop off unwrapped toys or contributions by Thursday, Dec. 20 at any of the following locations: the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), the Safe Neighborhoods Office (1100 Wellington Trace), the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) and Wellington Parks & Recreation (11700 Pierson Road). Call the Safe Neighborhoods Office at (561) 791-4796 for more information.
And if you want to help out the toy drive in a different way, several restaurants in the Courtyard Shops plaza are donating a portion of their proceeds on Wednesday, Dec. 12 to this worthy endeavor. See this week’s story for more information.
