Reminder: Edmonds Toy Shop Saturday, Dec. 8; donations and volunteers needed

Volunteers organizing stuffed animals for the 2014 Edmonds Toy Shop event. (File photo by David Carlos)

The annual Edmonds Toy Shop for families in need is set for Dec. 8, and organizers are collecting toys, books, stuffed animals, bikes and warm coats. You can help make a real difference for Edmonds’ kids whose families can’t afford to purchase gifts for Christmas.

Operated through Edmonds United Methodist Church, the goal of the Edmonds Toy Shop is to help families “shop” with dignity. The Toy Shop assists more than 300 families and an average of 1,000 kids who receive services through the Edmonds Food Bank and/or Washington Kids in Transition, which serves more than 1,200 kids in South Snohomish County who are living in shelters, tents, cars, and temporary housing.

Here’s a list of ways you can help:

Buy toys
We have a great list of our most-needed toys (see below) or let us help you choose a gift. Return unwrapped toys to the large red barrel near the Edmonds United Methodist Church main office. Collection bins for other locations include Harbor Square, Walnut Café, Pancake Haus, and Gravity Bar. You can also donate through the Sharing Tree at Alderwood Mall, sponsored by Alderwood-Terrace Rotary.

Most needed items:
Books
Warm coats
Pajamas
Soccer balls
Nerf guns
PlayDoh machines
Hot Wheels and track
Cars and trucks (large)
Barbie accessories
Fisher-Price toys
Thomas the Train toys
Stuffed animals
Bikes

For teenagers: jewelry, headphones, purses, wallets, gift cards, hair dryers, flat irons
Stuffed animals

Donate new or like-new bikes
When making a bike donation, remember that ideal bikes are ones in like-new condition, with no rust. Resources and budget for doing bike repairs are limited. If you have a bike to donate or would like to make a cash donation to purchase bikes or helmets, call 206-310-0566.

Donate holiday decor and gift wrap
If you’re sorting through your Christmas decorations and find items you no longer need, donate them for Toy Shop families. Gift wrap and bows are also much appreciated.

Sign up to volunteer
Volunteer jobs range from being a shopper’s assistant or interpreter to serving guests cookies and refreshments. You can sign up to volunteer through Sign-up Genius. About 200 volunteer shifts must be filled to make this event a success.

For more information
Learn more about the Edmonds Toy Shop at www.facebook.com/EdmondsToyShop.
Donate a bike:  Call 206-310-0566 for pick up.
Volunteer via Sign-up Genius.
Donate via the Amazon wish list.
Email questions to: edmondstoyshop@gmail.com

  1. I am tutoring the 2 Kotok girls, our church’s refugee family who came from Ukraine.
    Lynn Heitritter signed their mother, Mariia Kotok up to come to the Toy Shop.
    Please tell me what time she should come and I will bring her.
    Thanks,
    Judy Triggs
    425-742-5725

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