PEORIA, Ill. – Families in need across central Illinois were able to make Christmas brighter for their children on Tuesday.
Tuesday was the first day of the Peoria Salvation Army’s Toy Shop, which helps more than 3,000 children, from newborns to 17-year-olds, in close to 1,200 families.
“For me, the message of Christmas is the greatest gift of all is God sending his son, Jesus Christ,” said Major Heath Sells. “This allows us to say to people ‘you’re not forgotten, we love you, and here’s a token of how we can do that by making sure your family has gifts during the Christmas season.’”
The giveaway took place at the former The Room Place location in Northwoods Mall. Volunteer assistance shoppers helped guide the parents through the various tables of toys for boys and girls of different ages. The toys were donated by various organizations and businesses in the Peoria area.
Lomekia McShan of Peoria was one of the parents who picked out toys for her five children on Tuesday.
“I did what I could do for shopping for them, but this helps out more. So I appreciate it,” McShan said.
McShan says it’s her third time she’s been to the Toy Shop for her children, and she’s very appreciative of those bringing the toys for the kids. She says her kids are very happy to receive the gifts.
In addition to the toys, Sells says boxes of food and gift cards were given to families to help them have a proper holiday meal.
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