For decades, the Summers County Christmas Toy Fund, now through the Hinton Area Foundation, has diligently helped children and families in the county to have a fantastic Christmas holiday. The program is currently in the middle of its 2022 season, and co-chair Darrell Lilly recently spoke about the Toy Fund and his involvement.
Lilly has been the Chairman of the program since 2006. The previous Chairman, Howard Creed, started the Summers County Ruritan Culb in 1992 and quickly worked to establish the Toy Fund as the community now knows it. However, according to Lilly, it dates back farther than that. He believes the program dates back to the 50s or 60s and had beginnings with the local fire department and police departments. He said, “There’s always been somebody there to provide gifts to people in need.”
The program helps as many children as possible each year. Lilly noted that they provided Christmas gifts for more than 200 kids in 2021. He also stated that the number of families who apply has dropped since the early 2000s. According to Lilly, they regularly bought items for more than 400 children during that time.
Last year, Lilly noted that they had the funding to spend around $80 on each child. Half of the budget goes to clothing, and the other half goes to toys or other items.
In the past, volunteers would wrap each gift before giving it to the family. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have not been able to continue this tradition. Instead, the program provides wrapping paper and tape to the parents. Since they cannot wrap the gifts, volunteers bag up each child’s items.
Applications opened on Nov. 1 and continue through Nov. 30. All applications are processed through the Summers County Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). The forms are available at the DHHR office and through local schools. The program is available for children aged from newborn to 12 years old in Summers County. There is an income guideline, and all applications are screened for eligibility. All approved applicants will be notified by mail and provided with information regarding the gift pickup.
Lilly noted that each year, they receive donations from out-of-state. He said one of his favorite things is past recipients, who have grown up and moved out-of-state, contributing.
“It makes you feel good that they have done well with their life and they appreciate what we are still doing.”
Lilly said the Summers County Christmas Toy Fund would not be possible without the community’s help. Multiple local businesses, clubs and organizations make donations. School staff ensures applications go out to kids. Many individuals volunteer their time, make donations or “adopt” a child for the holiday.
Volunteers are planning to shop for this year’s gifts on Dec. 5 and 6. The items will be bagged on Dec. 8 and 9 and given out on Dec. 10. The old Summers Middle School Gymnasium is utilized for bagging and giving out the gifts.
To adopt a child, make a donation or volunteer, contact Darrell Lilly at 304-466-0476 or Stacy Ford at 304-575-7026. Checks must be addressed to Hinton Area Foundation. Organizers request that anyone sending a check write “Christmas toy fund” in the memo section.
