For the past 18 years, the Solanco Toy Drive has partnered with Solanco Neighborhood Ministries to provide gifts for families in need at Christmas time.
Jodi Conklin's twin daughters, Haley Conklin Hirthler and Emily Conklin Lasko, inspired what became the Solanco Toy Drive when they were in elementary school. Today, along with their husbands, Andrew Hirthler and Brock Lasko, as well as their twin brothers, Matt Conklin and Marc Conklin, Haley and Emily organize and distribute the donations.
This year, the toy drive will be dedicated to Jodi's mother, Linda Kreider, who passed away in May due to COVID-19. According to Jodi, her mother looked forward to the toy drive every year. "She touched countless lives through our toy drive and offered up lots of hugs and prayers," stated Jodi. "She will be missed, but it's in her honor that we keep going."
The Solanco Toy Drive saw an increase in need last year due to the pandemic. However, toys were still provided to every family that preregistered and showed up to the distribution. Jodi noted that she anticipates that about 100 families, which could include up to 350 children, will need toys this year.
"It's such a wonderful way to support our neighbors and those in need of a little Christmas cheer," said Jodi.
Toys and gifts suitable for children age 12 and under may be dropped off at Nickel Mine Floor Covering, 359 Buck Road, Quarryville; Quarryville Family Restaurant, 134 E. State St., Quarryville; Glam It Up, 4 S. Church St., Quarryville; and The Daily Grind, 221 W. Fourth St., Quarryville. Items may also be purchased from the event's Amazon wish list, a link to which has been posted on the organization's Facebook page. The deadline for donations at all locations is Thursday, Dec. 9, and Amazon orders must be delivered by Dec. 9.
The distribution will take place at Nickel Mine Floor Covering on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon. Families that wish to preregister for Christmas gifts for their children may do so at https://bit.ly/solancotoydriveregister. Preregistration is required and must be completed by Friday, Dec. 10. When picking up toys, parents must bring a valid photo ID with an address that matches their preregistration.
For more information about the Solanco Toy Drive, call Jodi at 717-475-0403. Those interested in making monetary donations can do so at http://www.solancotoydrive.com.
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