UPDATE 12/9: Della Lamb is distributing their toys for Operation Santa Friday at 9 a.m.
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If you know Della Lamb, you know all about Operation Santa. For decades, the organization has worked to make Christmas more special for families who can't afford to do it on their own. With just two days before the start of distribution, they're 800 toys short.
"We want to make sure that these children not only get toys but when the parents come on the fourth day, there's still a choice. There's an opportunity for them to choose toys that they know their kids would want," said Jonathan Hyde, director of development for Della Lamb.
"You have never seen such graciousness," said Hyde. "These are families that do need help and they need help in the most basic ways, but when you can provide a little gift for parents or you can say you can choose something here for your child that is an experience they don't often have."
Toys for donations in Operation Santa at Della Lamb.
This year, over 1,400 families are pre-registered. That includes more than 2,100 children. Operation Santa isn't all about toys though.
Hyde said, "We make sure that the kids have what they need."
Families will pick up new underwear, socks, sweat suits, hats and gloves. Parents can also take home a story book and a Santa stocking that's filled to the brim. The toys though, are what add the sparkle to a child's eye this time of year.
There will be 50 to 60 volunteers a day in the "Santa" workshop at Della Lamb. The Girl Scouts from Smithville Troop 446 have pitched in for three years straight and Wednesday night, had a goal of packing 1,000 bags of food. Gladstone Girl Scout Troop 988 also volunteered for the fourth straight year with Operation Santa.
Toys for donation in Operation Santa at Della Lamb.
Leader Cheryl Redline said the goal was, "They realize that there are people beside themselves right? That is important as an individual and as a citizen to give back to the community. Wanting to do for others I think is what's special about Christmas."
Hyde added, "When you can help support somebody else's dream, that's when we really get the benevolence of a wonderful holiday season."
You can help by dropping off new, unwrapped gifts to Della Lamb at 500 Woodland Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64106. (map please?)
If you'd like to donate, visit: www. dellalamb.org to make a contribution to Operation Santa.
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Dia Wall can be reached at dia.wall@kshb.com.
