Christmas 2024 has come and gone, and the results are in for the Toy Town program at The Salvation Army. In partnership with 14 News, Toys for Tots, and MDwise, The Salvation Army served over 1,100 families in need during the holidays. This large-scale toy campaign took thousands of man hours and resources to collect toys, sort donations, and distribute all the gifts in a shopping-style event before Christmas.
Over 18,000 gifts were collected from partner stores and businesses as part of the campaign. When a family in need signs up to be a part of the Toy Town program, they have the opportunity to “shop” for the perfect Christmas gifts for their children. Over 2,900 children received gifts, making it possible for parents and guardians to provide a joyful Christmas despite challenges like overdue bills, lob losses, and health battles.
“Thank you to the community for your support of the 2024 Toy Town campaign.” said Captain Brandon Lewis, Corps Officer & Southwest Indiana Area Coordinator for The Salvation Army. “Your generosity changed lives and gave hope and joy to thousands this holiday season. We couldn’t have done it without you, so thank you for helping make the holidays brighter for so many in need!”
TOY TOWN BY THE NUMBERS
The Salvation Army was blessed with a record-breaking number of volunteers who signed up to help make Toy Town possible. This team of dedicated volunteers, led by Salvation Army staff, created the most organized and joy-filled distribution event in recent years.
- 1,110 families served
- 2,934 children, including 700 teens (12 and older)
- Each child received 3 larger gifts, a bag of stocking stuffers, and an age-appropriate book
- Each teen received a gift bag valued at $50-$70 that contained personal care items, coupons, gift cards, or passes for fun, age-appropriate activities with friends
- Each family received a board game and a Christmas food box with meat from Perdue Farms, bread from Lewis Bakeries, and other food from The Salvation Army and the Tri-State Food Bank
TOY TOWN FAMILIES SHARE THEIR STORIES
Many families shared their personal experiences with The Salvation Army after receiving their gifts. Here are just a few of the messages received after Toy Town wrapped up:
“My husband had a medical emergency this year and is currently unable to work. This made it hard for us this year to have a Christmas for the kids. This program helped out sooo much! I also had the nicest volunteer help me navigate the lines, and such a nice young student volunteer help take gifts to my truck! Everyone was in such good spirits and that was so refreshing!”
“As a struggling mother with seven kids of all ages this year has defeated us. We ended up homeless for six weeks from our house having black mold and water pipe issues so we couldn’t afford anything for our kids this year from saving up for a new house on top of still having bills. It was a blessing from everyone who helped us make our kids’ Christmas amazing.”
“Salvation Army is a blessing every Christmas because thanks to you our children and family can enjoy the toys given to them. I know that Christmas is to be spent in unity and peace, but with every gift that you give there is a smile for every child.”
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