Wellman toy giveaway declared a success

WELLMAN — Members of the Wellman Fire Department said they hoped to continue with a community toy drive and giveaway after their effort in early December was a major success.

Fire department Secretary-Treasurer Tracy Owens said volunteers gave out at least 600 gifts, to over a hundred of parents, representing thousands of dollars worth of toys.

“There was just a glow on the faces of those parents back there from what we’re doing” he said. “It was just a great way for us to give back to the community, and that’s what it’s really all about.”

Owens said organizers had no idea what to expect, but were happy with how things played out. Families lined up early in the morning, and many had the chance to circle back for more toys after the rest of the line got a turn.

Owens said the event ran thanks to fourteen volunteer firefighters and their wives, who helped wrap gifts as they were picked up.

“We had the toy giveaway right in our meeting room … and put the ladies out there with tables and wrapping paper in the ambulance bay, so we could keep the flow of individuals,” he said. “You’d thought we’d have done it before, it really worked out well.”

Every item given away was donated to the department, by individuals in the community and donation boxes set up at the local dollar store.

Owens said he was proud of the town’s willingness to provide.

“The community support from the donations, the monetary part of it, and the Dollar General ladies … that was a great thing,” he said. “Some of the people that purchased toys and donated bought some really nice items.”

The department is likely to repeat the giveaway in future years, according to Owens.

“We haven’t really talked about it … but I see no reason at this point we wouldn’t try to do it again,” he said.

Owens said parents came not just from within town, but from Kalona, Washington, Oskaloosa, Hills and Iowa City to pick up Christmas gifts for their children, free of charge.

“We had a great turnout, the weather was good, and there should be a lot of happy kids for Christmas,” he said.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com